Category Archives: Kits

Kits

Behind the Scenes – Geiger Counter Case Fab

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CAD

The new case for my Geiger Counter kit started with a CAD drawing of the top and bottom case panels, as shown above.

I am very fortunate to have access to a ULS laser cutter at ATX Hackerspace, which is perfect for cutting 1/8″ acrylic and has a 32×18″ bed.

ULS Laser Cutter @ ATX Hackerspace

I made a few quick prototypes with some scrap acrylic and hardware I had in the lab.  The version shown here is the first iteration, which had taller standoffs and no battery cutout.

Prototype Case

Once I was satisfied with the design, I created an array of panels.  18 cases (36 individual panels) fit on a 32×18″ sheet of acrylic, which just fits in the bed of the laser cutter.

Array

The laser cuts out each panel in the array.

Laser cutting Geiger Counter cases

This is what the sheet looks like when the laser is done.

Mmm, freshly cut cases!

Freshly cut cases!

Add a few screws and standoffs and this is the result:

Geiger Counter Case

A beautiful clear acrylic case for my Geiger Counter kit!

Announcements, Kits

New product: Laser-cut Case for the Geiger Counter Kit

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Geiger Counter with Lasercut Case

I’m happy to announce the release of a custom laser-cut case for the Geiger Counter kit!

The case, which is made of high quality clear acrylic, comes with standoffs and all the hardware needed to assemble it.

Geiger Counter Case

The case includes access holes for the HV adjustment, the piezo beeper, and the mute button.

Geiger Counter Case

There are also cutouts for the battery compartment and the serial/ICSP/pulse headers.

A pushbutton switch with a 17mm long plunger is included with the case.  This can be optionally installed in place of the existing microswitch S2 on the geiger counter.  The long plunger makes the mute button easier to actuate with the case on.

Here is the kit with the new switch installed:

Geiger Counter Case

You can purchase a Geiger Counter kit with the case included or just the case by itself (f you already have a kit) over on the Geiger Counter kit product page or by clicking “add to cart” below.


Geiger Kit Options




Electronics, Kits

Nothing Labs review of the MightyOhm Geiger Counter Kit

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Rich Olsen, creator of the Electronic Cloud Chamber and proprietor of Nothing Labs, just posted a video review of the MightyOhm Geiger Counter kit on YouTube:

If you didn’t get to see Rich’s cloud chamber at the NY Maker Faire, you’ll definitely want to check it out. This thing is awesome! (And he has kits and test sources for sale!)

Nothing Labs Cloud Chamber

Here’s a video that shows it in operation. I can personally attest that it looks just as good (if not better) in person.

If you can’t afford one of his (very nicely put together) cloud chamber kits, Rich also wrote an instructable that will show you how to make your own cloud chamber with an ATX power supply and two Peltier coolers.

Thanks for the review, Rich!