Purpose

Emulator of radioactive particle detector is a hardware-software electronic module designed to emulate the counter of ionizing radiation level. For this purpose the emulator includes a pulse counting output to the main controller. Arduino, ESP8266, ESP32, Raspberry Pi, STM32 and others can be used as host controllers.

The simulated radiation level and operation mode of the emulator are indicated by light signals on the built-in RGB-LED.

GCemu20_V1 is an inexpensive and useful device for:

• safe and system learning,
• unit testing and development of new devices,
• detection and troubleshooting of running systems, etc.

This module is useful in training, testing, and constructing both indoor and outdoor ionizing radiation power meters in both handheld/pocket and stationary designs.

The only thing you need to start using the emulator module is any microcontroller that can count the number of input pulses per unit time on its GPIO, as well as power via micro USB.

Specifications

1. The module dimensions are 30 x 65 x 10 mm. The ESP12.OLED module without display is taken as the basis.
2. True Random Number Generator is a built-in ESP8266 TRNG.
3. Power of simulated radiation: 5 modes from 0 to 1.5 µSv/h.
4. Powered by AC/DC 5V adapter (not included) via micro USB.
5. There are 2.54 mm solder holes on the module board for connecting the console via UART. The console can be used when operating the emulator or flashing the embedded ESP8266 controller in GCemu20_V1.
6. The current consumption is similar to the ESP12.OLED_V1 module and is up to 80 mA with WiFi enabled (WiFi and ADC required by TRNG).
7. The pulse output GCemu20_V1 is compatible with the 3V3 ACTIVE-LOW logic signal levels.
8. The output pulse duration is about 10 µs, similar to the GGreg20.
9. Software: NodeMCU/Lua firmware. The emulator code starts automatically after power-up in mode 1 (simulating normal ambient radiation level [18-35] CPM).

Why and who needs the Geiger counter emulator

The main idea of any emulator in the field of DIY electronics is to temporarily, at certain stages, use a virtual substitute component instead of a real module in the process of IoT device development or experimenting / learning to reproduce the operation and characteristics of a real device with high accuracy. The emulator should simplify and speed up development, as well as add convenience in the initial stages of a planned project or performing unit tests.

Geiger counter emulator advantages

• No high voltage
• Simplified learning process
• Lower cost
• No real source of radiation is needed
• The life of the Geiger-Muller tube is not exhausted, because it is not present.
• Debugging data in the UART

Emulator users

• Radio amateurs in IoT and DIY microelectronics
• Teachers and students of technological universities
• Research groups and institutes
• Parents and children who are independently learning new technologies at home
• Developers and testers of stationary and/or hand-held dosimeters
• Test laboratories for quality and/or consumer protection

Emulator limitations

Among the known limitations of this method of creating a Geiger counter emulator is the memory size of the ESP826 controller, in which we create in a loop the required number of one-shot timers with random times of firing. Each timer, in fact, is a function that takes a certain amount of RAM.

When the timers are fired, the memory is immediately released. The execution of the code we developed resembles a spring, which in a cycle once a minute is sharply compressed and slowly uncompressed within the available memory of the controller.

Thus, the maximum possible number of events generated by our chosen method of generating random events at the emulator output directly depends on the amount of free RAM and the speed of the controller.

Experimentally we found that ESP8266 with NodeMCU firmware and Lua language can confidently generate about 260 events per minute or near 1.5 μSv per hour. This is more than enough pulses per minute for the emulator project and the radiation levels it supposedly registers.

How the emulator works

Embedded software cycles to create a certain number of one-time timers within a minute. Each timer, when triggered, initiates a logic level “1” (ACTIVE-LOW logic) on the GPIO of the emulator pulse output.

The duration of the logic level “1” is close to 10 microseconds and is similar to the pulses on the true Geiger counter module GGreg20_V3. The only difference is that GGreg20_V3 can also support 5V logic, while GCemu20_V1 only supports 3V3 logic.

The number of pulses at the emulator output and their corresponding random timers during one minute is set randomly and has a preset range corresponding to the current emulator operation mode. The emulator can operate in one of five radiation simulation modes.

The radiation power modes simulated by the GCemu20_V1 module have been chosen to cover the entire range of tasks in which it may be appropriate to use the emulator:

Mode 0. No pulses (sensor error simulation);

Mode 1. Natural background radiation (by default after Power-On Reset);

Mode 2. Acceptable level;

Mode 3. Increased level;

Mode 4. Dangerous level.

After power-up the emulator defaults to Mode 1.

To change the emulator mode, press the Flash/D3 button (SW1 on the module board).

The modes are selected alternately by pressing the built-in Flash button:

Mode 1-> Mode 2 -> Mode 3 -> Mode 4 -> Mode 0 ->Mode 1 …

Each power mode is assigned a different color on the built-in RGB LED, so that the user not only sees the output pulses from the emulator to the host controller, but can also distinguish the current modes of operation:

The real GGreg20_V3 module is equipped with a Soviet-made SBM-20 Geiger tube. This tube has the following conversion factor [pulses per minute, CPM] to [microsieverts per hour] for Cesium-137 source:

μSv per hour = CPM * 0.0057

Let’s perform the reverse operation to calculate for the radiation ranges the appropriate range of the number of pulses per hour that the emulator would have to generate while operating in a certain mode:

CPM = μSv per hour/ 0.0057

According to statistics collected by IoT-devices LLC, the SBM-20 tube is the most popular among DIY projects, so in the GCemu20_V3 emulator we made a binding of software characteristics to this tube.

The ESP8266 controller’s hardware True Random Number Generator (TRNG) is used to ensure true randomness of the pulses at the emulator output.

To enhance the effect of randomness, each minute cycle of the emulator generates not a constant number of pulses, but randomly selects the number of output pulses from the range of values given for each mode in the table above.

For example, Mode 1 will generate 18 to 35 pulses per minute and this number will vary randomly each time.

Thus, the output of GCemu20_V1 has a random number of pulses randomly distributed in time (within each minute of operation).

The GCemu20_V1 product has built-in, ready-to-use program code. To start working with the emulator, simply supply power via the micro USB port and connect the pulse output to the host controller, which processes the pulses and calculates the level of simulated radiation.

Buying this product, the user does not need to program or flash it himself, IoT-devices LLC has already taken care of this.

But if necessary, the user can flash the module with different firmware and use the module at will for other tasks through the UART interface by tools designed for ESP8266.

It is known that there are many IoT platforms for ESP8266-based modules, such as ESP-IDF, Arduino, NodeMCU, MicroPython, ESPHome, Tasmota and many others.

Module dimensions, I/O port assignment

The hardware platform for the GCemu20_V1 uses the universal ESP12.OLED controller module manufactured by IoT-devices LLC, without display. Therefore, the port assignment on the module board corresponds to the documentation of the ESP12.OLED module and the ESP8266 controller integrated in this product.

The printed circuit board of the ESP12.OLED_V1 module:

Assignment of all I/O ports of the ESP12.OLED_V1 module as the hardware platform on which the product GCemu20_V1 Geiger counter emulator is built:

However, only part of the I/O ports available on the ESP12.OLED_V1 controller are used to operate as a GCemu20_V1 emulator.

In particular, the GCemu20_V1 emulator uses the following controller ports:

• micro USB 5V power port;
• pulse output of the Geiger counter emulator (GPIO4/D5, marked as SDA on the board);
• UART interface (optional) to connect the developer console:
  • UART0 Rx / GPIO3;
  • UART0 Tx / GPIO1;
• jumper X5 to select the power supply mode (must be set when power is supplied via micro USB);
• jumper J2 to select the pulse output mode (user setting to switch random number / fixed number of pulses @ current mode of emulation);
• built-in RGB LED:
  • GPIO14 / D5 – Blue;
  • GPIO12 / D6 – Green;
  • GPIO13 / D7 – Red;
• Reset button (marked on the board as SW2);
• Flash button (GPIO0/D3, marked on the board as SW1);

The following figure shows these ports:

Fig. I/O ports ESP12.OLED_V1 (without display) involved in the emulator GCemu20_V1

The connection diagram of the emulator module (MCU_B) ESP12.OLED to the main controller (MCU_A) NodeMCU can be as follows:

This schematic also shows the optional developer/programmer console connection via a UART to USB converter.

We recommend the following materials as a reference on port numbering:

• The pin planning and application standard developed by alterstrategy.lab:

https://alterstrategy.com/recommended-pin-use-standard/

• NodeMCU flashing documentation:

https://nodemcu.readthedocs.io/en/latest/modules/gpio/

• Documentation for the ESP12.OLED module is on the website:

https://iot-devices.com.ua/en/product/esp12oled-universal-esp8266-mcuboard-oled-en/

on Tindie:

https://www.tindie.com/products/iotdev/esp12oled-universal-esp8266096oled-mcu-board/

Dimensions of the GCemu20_V1 product built on the ESP12.OLED hardware platform:

• X: 65 mm;
• Y: 30 mm;
• Z: 12 mm.

For comparison, the present Geiger counter module GGreg20_V3 with SBM-20 tube has the following dimensions:

X: 126 x Y: 30 x Z: 12 mm.

Comparison of GCemu20_V1 emulator and the original GGreg20_V3

Switching-on and measurements

It is recommended to switch GCemu20_V1 on as follows:

Warning. Always remove jumper J2 before (re)starting the device (GPIO2 <-> GND). GCemu20_V1 will not start unless jumper J2 is removed. This feature of operation is due to the fact that GPIO2, which is connected to jumper J2, takes part in loading the ESP8266 controller and switches it to another mode of operation.

At the same time, the jumper works normally after loading the device – it can be removed or installed without restrictions.

Step 1 . Connect the input power from the power supply.

Step 2 . Turn on the power supply. In no more than 10 seconds you will see light signals on the RGB-LED, simulating a hit of the imaginary particles in the module’s detector. On the pulse GPIO output of the module you will see random pulses of 10 microseconds each on the 3V3 ACTIVE-LOW logic according to the set operating mode.

Step 3: . Select the required emulator mode with the Flash/D3 button (marked as SW1 on the ESP12.OLED_V1 board).

Product delivery kits.

GCemu20_V1 basic

1. ESP12.OLED_V1 module (without display) — 1 pc
2. Ready to use, emulator embedded software — 1 pc.
3. 2.54 mm pins kit for self-installation — 1 pc

Technical description: GCemu20_V13 Datasheet UKR, GCemu20_V1 Datasheet ENG

Purpose

The GGreg20_V3 radioactive particle detector is an electronic sensor module for building a personal Geiger counter and determining the level of ionizing radiation. For this purpose, the detector includes an impulse counting output to a host controller. Arduino, Raspberry Pi, ESP8266, ESP32 and others can be used as a host controller.

The radiation level is indicated by light and sound signals. The user can mute sounds (jumper J1 – buzzer on/off).

GGreg20_V3 is an inexpensive and useful device for checking the “purity” of

• mushrooms,
• berries,
• vegetables,
• firewood, etc.

This module is useful for creating smart measurement devices for determining the power of ionizing radiation indoors or outdoors and is available in both portable/pocket style and stationary mode.

The only thing you need to start measuring ionizing radiation with the GGreg20 is any microcontroller that can count the number of pulses per unit time on GPIO.

Specifications

• Module dimensions – 30 x 126 x 12 mm. Weight 30 g.
• Power supply:

• a rechargeable battery or a battery:
  • 1-cell Li (3.7V) battery;
  • 2-cell Ni (2.4V) battery;
  • 3-cell 4.5V battery connected to the “Bat” port.
• a 5 Volt charger.

• Power supply of the SBM-20 tube is a built-in adjustable high voltage DC-DC converter. The target voltage level of 400 V is regulated by a potentiometer. The module is fine-tuned and ready for use.
• The module also works with the J305 tube, and it is possible to choose a configuration with this tube when ordering.

Warning! From September 1, 2022 the high voltage regulation function has been removed. The hardware fixes the voltage level at 400 volts.
At the same time, if you need a module with increased voltage regulation for your project, pay attention to the DCDC_3V3_4000V_V1 module: високовольтний перетворювач напруги

Update: February 2023 The feedback we receive from customers about the planned implementation of the changes has led us to the decision not to rush to fix the voltage level on the module, as this limits the possibility of using other tubes compatible with the module. Therefore, we have decided not to make any changes at all and are supplying the module in its original configuration.

• Consumption current – 35 mA at 5V, 52 mA at 3.7V or 57 mA at 3.3V.
• GGreg20_v3 is compatible with the ESP8266/ESP32 logic signal levels (3V3 ACTIVE-LOW: 3 to 3.3V HIGH and about 0.7V LOW), and will work even with the 5V logic input.

Dimensions and Pin assignments

GGreg20_V3 module pin assignments are as follows:

• BAT – Power supply input 2.2 V – 5.5 V;
• ON. / OFF. – Main switch on/off; / OFF. – switching on / off the main switch;
• OUT – Pulse output, active-low;
• BUZ – Buzzer enable jumper.

The dimensions of the GGreg20_V3 module are as follows:

• X: 126 mm;
• Y: 30 mm;
• Z: 12 mm.

Differences and compatibility with previous versions of GGreg20

^{Note 1} The GGreg20_V2 module version has not been included in the comparison because it was developed for other design solutions (and did not provide space for the SBM-20 tube on the module board).

^{Note 2} The module board has a default protection diode against erroneous pole reversal when connecting the battery. Such protection will be appropriate despite the fact that it slightly narrows the voltage range of the input power supply which will be 3-5.5 volts. This narrows the voltage range of the input power supply: 3 – 5.5 volts.

^{Note 3} If you want to power the GGreg20_V3 from a 2.4 Volt source, you need to short the Schottky diode shown in the figure below with a wire or replace it with a 0 Ohm resistor. Note, however, that such a correction will disable the module’s reverse polarity protection.

Fig. GGreg20_V3 Reverse Polarity Protection Diode Manual Replacement Example

Switching-on and measurements

This module is ready for use. The GGreg20_V3 modules are adjusted, configured, and tested for compliance with the declared technical data before being shipped. Any adjustments or settings made by the customer may damage the module or introduce technical inconsistencies.

Connect the power input from the selected power source.

Turn on the power supply. After 10-15 seconds, you will hear a sound and see light signals when the active particles enter the tube.

At normal background radiation, the tube registers and generates 20-30 pulses per minute. The number of pulses can vary depending on weather or cosmic radiation.

Consider the average number of signals per minute.

If you receive more than 60 signals per minute, be careful: your detector has “felt” a dangerous level of ionizing radiation from the environment or food, mushrooms, wood, etc Your detector has “felt” the effects of ionizing radiation emissions from the ambient environment or food, mushrooms, or wood, etc.

In short, the formula is simple: you need to accumulate the number of ingoing GPIO pulses per minute and then multiply by a factor. Like this:

microsieverts per hour = (pulses per minute) * 0.0092

where 0.0092 is a coefficient obtained from the tube manufacturer’s documentation.

Tubes can vary (+ -20%), so we recommend using a conversion factor of 0.0054 to 0.0092 and calibrating the calculations with a trusted (certified) device.

Note: The differences between the tubes are: conversion factor for J305 is 0.00812, deadtime: 180 microseconds. Drivers and examples for SBM20 are compatible, but require replacement of the specified coefficients. It is recommended to operate the tube in a casing, as its bulb is transparent and measurements may be affected by photons of sunlight and similar factors.

Product kit sets:

1. GGreg20_V3 basic

• GGreg20_V3 Module — 1 pc

2. GGreg20_V3 basic + Connectors (installed) and cables

• GGreg20_V3 Module — 1 pc
• Connector JST XH 2P male straight — 2 pcs installed on the module board;
• Pulse output cable, 15 cm, with connectors — 1 pc:
  1. JST XH 2P female on the one hand Dupont 2x1P female on the other hand
  2. Dupont 2x1P female on the other side
• Power supply input cable, 15 cm, with JST XH 2P female connector on one side — 1 pc

3. GGreg20_V3 basic + SBM-20 tube

• GGreg20_V3 Module — 1 pc
• SBM-20 tube — 1 pc

4. GGreg20_V3 basic + SBM-20 tube + Connectors (installed) and cables

• GGreg20_V3 Module — 1 pc
• SBM-20 tube — 1 pc
• Connector JST XH 2P male straight — 2 pcs installed on the module board;
• Pulse output cable, 15 cm, with connectors — 1 pc:
  1. JST XH 2P female on one side and
  2. Dupont 2x1P female on the other side

• Power supply input cable, 15 cm, with JST XH 2P female connector on one side — 1 pc

5. GGreg20_V3 basic + Tube SBM-20 + Connectors (installed) and cables + Case(3d printing)

• GGreg20_V3 Module — 1 pc
• SBM-20 tube — 1 pc
• Connector JST XH 2P male straight — 2 pcs installed on the module board;
• Pulse output cable, 15 cm, with connectors — 1 pc:
  1. JST XH 2P female on one side and
  2. Dupont 2x1P female on the other side

• Power supply input cable, 15 cm, with JST XH 2P female connector on one side — 1 pc
• Case – 3D printed – 1 pc

6. GGreg20_V3 basic + J305 tube

• GGreg20_V3 Module — 1 pc
• J305 tube — 1 pc

7. GGreg20_V3 basic + J305 tube + Connectors (installed) and cables

• GGreg20_V3 Module — 1 pc
• J305 tube — 1 pc
• Connector JST XH 2P male straight — 2 pcs installed on the module board;
• Pulse output cable, 15 cm, with connectors — 1 pc:
  1. JST XH 2P female on one side and
  2. Dupont 2x1P female on the other side

• Power supply input cable, 15 cm, with JST XH 2P female connector on one side — 1 pc

8. GGreg20_V3 basic + J305 tube + Connectors (installed) and cables + Case(3d printing)

• GGreg20_V3 Module — 1 pc
• J305 tube — 1 pc
• Connector JST XH 2P male straight — 2 pcs installed on the module board;
• Pulse output cable, 15 cm, with connectors — 1 pc:
  1. JST XH 2P female on one side and
  2. Dupont 2x1P female on the other side

• Power supply input cable, 15 cm, with JST XH 2P female connector on one side — 1 pc
• Case – 3D printed – 1 pc

Technical description: GGreg20_V3 Datasheet ENG 2026, GGreg20_V3 Datasheet UKR

References

Manufacturer’s notice

Dear Reader! Thank you for your interest in our products. We hope that you enjoy this device. “IoT-devices” has been made possible thanks to the support of our Customers, as well as our experience and love for Electronics.

Designed and manufactured by IoT-devices with freedom and wisdom in Ukraine in 2021. All rights reserved.