Version 10.3. adaptation for the LCD shield (v.10.3.1)

v.10.3.1 - adaptation modifications are listed below:

 PIN definitions are adapted to work with LCD shield as follows:
 #define SEL_BUTTON        11  (in v.10.3 was 10)
 #define ALARM_PIN          10  (in v.10.3 was 15)
 #define NULL_BUTTON    15  (in v.10.3 was 11)

simplified serial port output to work with freeware Radiation Logger software by radiohobbystore:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/dhdojkbc1a5e7co/Radiation_Logger.zip
https://www.dropbox.com/s/jm29nrq98ezv2qx/Radiation%20Logger%20how%20to.txt
is now configured to be the default output changable back by menu (note: use of menu needs connection of IR receiver)
If you want CPM, [dose unit], Vcc to be the set as output format during the RESET_ALL (i.e. when the #define RESET_ALL true) find and change the line in Menu from:
writeParam(true,RADLOGGER_ADDR);
back to:
writeParam(false,RADLOGGER_ADDR);

The modified sketch can be downloaded here:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/q08wrx45pzlvy6p/GeigerKit_v10_3_1.zip

Libraries can be downloaded from here:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/0zetjm8ncc7jkho/GeigerKit%20Libraries-3.zip

Version 10.2. adaptation for the LCD shield (v.10.2.1)

v.10.1.2 - adaptation modifications are listed below:

PIN definitions are adapted to work with LCD shield as follows:

#define BUTTON_PIN           11  (in v.10.1 was 10)

#define ALARM_PIN             10  (in v.10.1 was 15)

#define NULL_BTN_PIN       15  (in v.10.1 was 11)

 simplified serial port output to work with freeware Radiation Logger software by radiohobbystore:

https://www.dropbox.com/s/dhdojkbc1a5e7co/Radiation_Logger.zip
https://www.dropbox.com/s/jm29nrq98ezv2qx/Radiation%20Logger%20how%20to.txt

 is now configured to be the default output changable back by menu (note: use of menu needs connection of IR receiver)

If you want CPM, [dose unit], Vcc to be the set as output format during the RESET_ALL (i.e. when the #define RESET_ALL true) find and change the line in Menu from:

writeParam(true,RADLOGGER_ADDR); 

back to:

writeParam(false,RADLOGGER_ADDR);

The modified sketch can be downloaded here: https://www.dropbox.com/s/od831jqjbnw4x41/GeigerKit_v10_2_1.zip

Libraries can be downloaded from here:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/1j1a9hlhodb232m/GeigerKit%20Libraries.zip

Modification of the counter to have HV programmable by IR TV remote

This is a modification of  the DIY Geiger counter to have HV programmable with IR TV remote control. This version assumes two voltages 400V and 500V - for most popular russian and western made Geiger-Müller tubes.

This modification in essence is substitution of the generator on 555CMOS timer chip with a signal generated by the ATMEGA328 timer.

Use of the IMEX-38-56 High Voltage generator - iPhone Geiger Counter (Geiger Bot app)

Here below I publish shematics and video of the working prototype of the iPhone connect-able Geiger Counter which works with iPhone (Geiger bot app)

The high voltage generator seen in the video above is on eBay - item number 161121230169
The link is http://www.ebay.com/itm/161121230169

(note transistor here is 2N3904 but any similar/popular NPN type would do either)

The whole schematics runs on 2xCR2025 3V batteries (6V). Batteries theoretically should last more than a year as theaverage power consumption is something around 10uA(10^-6A).

In the video it works with GeigerBot https://sites.google.com/site/geigerbot/
which is freely downloadable from appstore
http://itunes.apple.com/ml/app/geiger-bot/id427728355?mt=8

Dimensions of the prototype board you see here are:
43mm/63mm/13mm

Simply shorting 5V regulator input with output without disconnecting the third terminal from ground => wasting battery power

I have observed that if you do not need the the 78L05 5V regulator, shorting between its input and output without disconnecting its third terminal from ground would waste your battery power even more than if you use the regulator in the usual way.

How to simply add the 38kHz iR receiver to the already assembled LCD shield (i.e. where the LCD is already mounted and soldered on)

To add the 38kHz iR receiver TSOP 4838 (you can search it on eBay using keyword TSOP4838),

you need to:

- bend the VCC and GND pins and cut the Output pin leaving approximately 5 mm;

-  install the device as shown in the below picture (note that it should be installed on the bottom side of PCB and in the orientation shown on the picture) and solder it in; 

-  take the one pin straight header, remove the plastic part off and solder it in just in front of output pin (solder on the bottom side of the PCB). Solder the output pin to the one-pin header;

- connect the VCC pin with the leg of the contrast potentiometer as shown on the picture using isolated piece of wire);

- scratch the protective paint OFF and solder in the wire bridge as show  in the picture.

Now you can upload version 10.1.1 of the software and use the Sony type remote to control the menu.

Click on the picture to enlarge

D.I.Y. geiger counter with v.10.1.1 with iR remote controllable menu

D.I.Y. geiger counter with v.10.1.1 with iR remote controllable menu.

menu can be controlled with a Sony type TV remote control.

optionally it is possible to change settings to Philips remote system.

Also any universal or multisystem iR TV remote, which can emulate Sony

or Philips systems can be used.

the biggest advantage of the menu system is, that parameter changes (such as changing CPM to uSv ratio for another tube) can be done without connecting the device to computer and no reprogramming is necessary.