Gravity: Geiger Counter Module Ionizing Radiation Detector

SKU: SEN0463

Ionizing radiation, invisible and intangible, exists not just in nuclear reactors—we’re constantly exposed to it from the environment and outer space, though our bodies resist natural background radiation. High-energy ionizing radiation can come from natural marble, colored ore gems, or "negative ion powder" with radioactive elements. A Geiger counter detects these sources. It’s also a good random number generator: undetermined high-energy particle ionization events provide true random entropy, not algorithm-based sequences.

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1. Example Code for Arduino-Radiation Intensity Detection

Detect CPM radiation intensity, the readings may have a large deviation at first, and the data tends to be stable after 3 times. Users can learn how to use the Gravity: Geiger Counter Module with Arduino, read CPM (counts per minute) and radiation intensity values (nSv/h, μSv/h), and understand the use of external interrupts for counting.

Reference

This article provides a comprehensive guide on installing and using the Geiger Counter library, detailing its ability to detect ionizing radiation such as nuclear, X-rays, and cosmic rays, while emphasizing the fragility and handling precautions of the Geiger tube.

Parameter	Value
Supply voltage	3.3V ~ 5V
Signal output	digital output, pull down when a pulse is detected
Driving voltage	≈400V
Maximum range	1200 μSv/h (theoretical value)
Dimensions	107mm × 42mm

Parameter	Value
Working voltage	380V ~ 450V
Background count	≈25CPM
CPM ratio	153.8 CPM/(μSv/h)
Dimensions	Φ10mm × 88mm

FAQ

How to convert from interrupt count to nSv/h or uSv/h?

We provide the convert process in our Github repo:
https://github.com/cdjq/DFRobot_Geiger
The default is high level. When the Geiger tube generates a signal, it outputs a pull-down pulse with a pulse width of about 300μs.
CPM is the pulse count per minute. In fact, it does not need to be counted for one full minute. For example, if there are 10 pulses in 20 seconds, then 10*(20/60)=30CPM
Finally, the radiation value is calculated using the calculated CPM (Count per minute)
If you have other questions, just feel free to post them in our forum for consultation. We will reply them as soon as possible and improve the product FAQ gradually.
Can I use other module of Geiger tube to replace the original one?

We don't recommend that. Because the geiger module uses the interrupt counting method, the radiation value may be inaccurate if the tube is replaced with another model.
How long is the lifespan of a Geiger counter ？

If used in a normal environment, there is no need to worry about the life of the geiger tube. However, if the radiation environment is too high, the geiger tube needs to be replaced as soon as possible.
Looks like the circuit has a builtin HV power supply, so an external one is not needed, is this correct?

Looks like it might be a piezo buzzer. Don't want to get moisture in it. So that sticker is to protect it during assembly and while washing the flux off after that.
Do Geiger tubes have a life span? How long does it need to be replaced?

Geiger tubes are designed to have a lifetime of 10⁹ pulses. In practice, if you only measure background radiation in your living environment, you do not need to worry about running out of life; if you have been exposed to strong radioactivity, you should replace the Geiger tube as soon as possible, regardless of whether it has run out of the theoretical life. Strong radiation can affect the composition of the gas filled in the Geiger tube, resulting in irreversible changes in sensitivity.

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