The story of the development of one device in four episodes. Episode 1. Radiation level dosimeter with pulse output and MCU (Geiger counter, tube SBM-20, pulse output and MCU).

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Three disappointments.

The Internet of Things (IoT) market is quite full of devices for measuring radiation, but we decided to develop another one. Motivation – more and more cases of accidents and catastrophes, as a result of which people suffered. We decided that it was time to buy an inexpensive radiation dosimeter for family use. They monitored the Internet and realized that it would not be cheap. From this place the history of development begins. We studied the market, physics, read articles and forums, learned all about sensors and other components and came to the following conclusions:

  • Let’s try to develop a commercial product;
  • Let’s start with a caseless collection of modules for self-assembly (DiY);
  • This collection should be cheaper compared to existing ones on the market;

So, we started to develop our own dosimeter. We have set the following goals:

  • The modules included in the collection must be manufactured with the components installed, the purchase, manufacture and installation of which at home will be difficult for customers.
  • Each module must have the property of independent utility;
  • The connection of modules to the user system should be logical, simple and not require debugging;
  • Use a modern element base;

Studying the market of such ready-made devices and the necessary component base, made a depressing impression on us.

Our disappointments:

AND) 100-year-old radiation sensors are used in modern architecture devices – Geiger-Muller counter;

B) Modern sensors are “overcastly” expensive for a “popular” dosimeter;

IN) Most solutions of radio amateurs are suitable for disposable DIY and it is better not to use this experience to develop commercial products.

Development, search for components, layout, production and testing of prototypes, programming on the background of other projects took almost a year, but as a result we got three HW modules and several SW variations with different capabilities.

In this series of publications we will talk only about HW:

  1. Module DCDC_3V3_400V – boost voltage converter for Geiger counter with pulse output (Adjustable High Voltage Module 3V3 to 1200V with Pulse Signal Output for Geiger Tube). Episode 2
Figure 1. Picture of the DCDC_3V3_400V module model
  1. GGreg20 recorder of radioactive particles with access to the controller (Geiger Counter Radiation Detector DIY Kit). Episode 3
Figure 2. 3D image of the GGreg20 board model
  1. ESP12_Oled board: controller with Wi-Fi radio function and display mounted on the module.
Figure 3. 3D image of the ESP12_OLED controller board model

These modules are described in more detail in individual episodes.

You can order these modules on our site .

Choose and order

In the next episode we will talk about Module DCDC_3V3_400V – step-up voltage converter for Geiger counter with pulse output