Robert's Logging Geiger 'Leiger' Project

SparkFun's Robert Cowan built this logging geiger counter in order to log the radiation levels he will be exposed to during his trip to Chernobyl in a few days. In this video Rob gives a brief introduction to the project, as well as a brief history lesson on the Chernobyl nuclear disaster in 1986.

Tags: Project
Talent: Robert Cowan

[KittiesandMilk]

This is the kind of free education and exchange of ideas that our own education systems needs to steer towards. Great video, and great idea for a project!

[Kjata]

This is beyond cool. Please have a safe trip and can't wait to see your results!

[spagamoto]

I was just going to suggest a pager motor in there - but then you mentioned it :) Very nice work. Stay safe.

[crazy]

Wow. Just the other day I was writing down an idea for a GPS Geiger logging device. Yours looks magnificent. Can't wait to see the tutorial.

Enjoy your trip!

[robl]

This is super cool. Can't wait for the teardown.

[RobertCowanDIY]

actually, the screen displays "GTFO" when the alarm goes off. seriously... it has a vibe as the alarm only. at the levels we'll see, the counts will be almost constant, and serve as an audible alarm. the light will be pretty solid too.

[RobertCowanDIY]

honestly, as cheap as plastic enclosures are, it's easiest just to buy them and modify them. granted, I had access to a laser cutter, but a dremel would have done the job too.

[WitheredAnge]

Chernobyl: Why positive feedback is more than just a bad idea.

[DJSolitone]

This looks much better than my Gamma Scout counter!! I agree with you, Beta and Alpha are less a concern and they will be absorbed by the case and surrounding PCBs anyway, BUT you still need to calibrate your detector, AND the dosimeter application MUST be running all the time to be of any use. Enjoy the Vodka there!!

[Dippo]

Robert, don't forget to take some food once near Chernobyl. There are still people living in the area and they can only live from tourists. They give a good commentary also.

[hesperaux]

Neat. You did a nice job making it look nice.

[NerdNordic]

Nice! What type of radiation can the detector measure and how much is blocked by the case?

And btw, will you sell those solid state "geiger counter" modules?

[theinsanityunleashed]

I can only imagine what airport security will say about this.

[NerdNordic]

Admit it, the silent mode is for sneaking in to the "hot spots" ;)

[RoSiYou]

Very good project. Have safe trip to Pripyat.

[Fivetwofivetwo]

Robert! Thank You for your great videos. I know video blogging is a giant PITA. You have been relentless with your effort and I commend you for that. I have been anxiously waiting for details about your adventure. Can you post a comment with a detail or two? Thanks again for your great videos.

[AngusPearson]

FUKISHIMA WAS 2 YEARS AGO ALREADY?!?!?!? I feel so old. On another note, isn't the counter fairly directional? If so, you probably want to point it at the ground :-D

[Civilsitis]

Can you tell us about the letters on enclosure? "GEIGER" e.t.c, how you wrote them?

[brunoip]

It needs a "run the hell out of there" led.

[Mr.Laidukas]

So you feel passion to photography or history? :)