A Raspberry Pi Zero Geiger Counter / Radiation Monitor

What is it?

This is an add-on board for the Raspberry Pi Zero which allows the DIY enthusiast to easily build a networked radiation monitor with a rich web-based UI. This is a fully open hardware and open source design. The tube provided with the board is an STS-5 (or SBM-20) which is quite sensitive. Clips on the board secure the Geiger-Muller tube for easy replacement. Note that a Raspberry Pi Zero is not included.

Why did you make it?

This board was designed to create a network-enabled radiation monitoring solution. In the modern world, there are many potential radiation hazards which may pollute our environment, from power plants to nuclear weapons. The more citizens who take their own and their families safety seriously the better and safer the world is for all of us. Building your own radiation monitoring node with the Raspberry Pi Zero Geiger Counter and taking charge of knowing your environment can help with goal.

Using the Raspberry Pi Zero allows for a full-featured web interface using open source software running on the embedded Linux system.

What makes it special?

This add-on board uses a simple microcontroller to control a high-voltage boost supply to generate the needed voltage across a Geiger-Muller tube. A discharge across the Geiger-Muller generates a pulse which is detected and counted by the Raspberry Pi Zero. The microcontroller is connected to the Raspberry Pi Zero's I2C bus, allowing control of the high-voltage supply by software on the Raspberry Pi Zero.

Many other designs use a 555 timer which is manually adjusted and free running, but which is much less flexible. This board allows for full control of the high-voltage boost supply from the Raspberry Pi.

Raspberry Pi Zero Not Included

*Please note that the Raspberry Pi Zero is NOT included, but a socket and mounting hardware is provided. Any version of the Raspberry Pi Zero may be used (Raspberry Pi Zero W pictured for reference only.)