GGreg20_V3 is an inexpensive and useful device for checking the “purity” of:

This module is useful for creating smart measurement devices for determining the power of ionizing radiation indoors or outdoors, and is available in both portable/pocket style and stationary mode. The only thing you need to start measuring ionizing radiation with the GGreg20 is any microcontroller that can count the number of pulses per unit time on GPIO.

Specifications

  1. Module dimensions - 30 x 126 x 12 mm. Weight 30 g.
  2. Power supply:
    • a rechargeable battery or a battery: 1 cell Li (3.7V) battery, 2 cell Ni (2.4V) battery, 3 cells (4.5V) battery connecting to port "Bat";
    • a 5 Volt charger.
  3. Power supply of the SBM-20 tube is a built-in adjustable high voltage DC-DC converter. The target voltage level of 400 V is regulated by a potentiometer. The module is fine-tuned and ready for use.
  4. Consumption current - 18 mA at 5V or 30 mA at 3.7V via LiIon.
  5. GGreg20_v3 is compatible with the ESP8266/ESP32 logic signal levels (3V3 ACTIVE-LOW: 3 to 3.3V HIGH and about 0.7V LOW), and will work even with the 5V logic input.

Dimensions and Pin assignments

GGreg20_V3 module pin assignments are as follows:

The dimensions of the GGreg20_V3 module are as follows:

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Differences and compatibility with previous versions of GGreg20

Names of characteristicsGGreg20_V3 (NEW)GGreg20_V1Improvement status
Designmonomodulartwo-moduleImproved
Stability of detection resultsIn the range of 2.4 - 5.5 volts (see note 2 and note 3)Only at 5V supply voltage (uUSB input)Improved
Power supply voltage range2.2 - 5.5 volts (see note 2 and note 3)3.7 - 5.5 voltsImproved
Autonomous power supply1 cell Li (3.7V) or 2 cell Ni (2.4V) or battery 3V or AC / DC adapter 2.4 - 5.5 V (see note 2 and note 3)1 cell Li (3,7V) or 3 cell Ni (3,6V) or 3 cell battery (4,5V) or AC/DC (5V) adapterImproved
Complexity of the integrationTwo connectors and one jumper (total 6 pin)Three connectors and a jumper (11 pin in total)Simplified
Protection against connection errorsKey-protected connectors are used and a Schottky diode is installed (see note 2 and note 3)Not providedImproved
Design and size compatibilitySame, except placing the power switch-mostly unchanged
Current consumptionnear 30 mАnear 30 mАno change
Calculation formula--no change
Measurement accuracy20%20%no change
User interfacesLED, buzzer, Output connectorLED, buzzer, Output connectorno change

Note 1 The GGreg20_V2 module version has not been included in the comparison because it was developed for other design solutions (and did not provide space for the SBM-20 tube on the module board).

Note 2 The module board has a default protection diode against erroneous pole reversal when connecting the battery. Such protection will be appropriate despite the fact that it slightly narrows the voltage range of the input power supply which will be 3-5.5 volts.

Note 3 If you want to power the GGreg20_V3 from a 2.4 volt source, you need to short the Schottky diode shown in the photo with a wire or replace it with a 0 ohm resistor. Note, however, that such a correction will disable the module's reverse polarity protection.

GGreg20_V3 Note3 Reverse Polarity Protection Diode Manual Replacement Example

Switching-on and measurements

This module is ready for use. The GGreg20_V3 modules are adjusted, configured and tested for compliance with the declared technical data before being shipped. Any adjustments or settings made by the customer may damage the module or introduce technical inconsistencies.

Connect the power input from the selected power source.

Turn on the power supply. After 10-15 seconds, you will hear a sound and see light signals when the active particles enter the tube.

At normal background radiation, the tube registers and generates 20-30 pulses per minute. The number of pulses can vary depending on weather or cosmic radiation. Consider the average number of signals per minute.

If you receive more than 60 signals per minute, be careful: your detector has “felt” a dangerous level of ionizing radiation from the environment or food, mushrooms, wood, etc

In short, the formula is simple: you need to accumulate the number of ingoing GPIO pulses per minute and then multiply by a factor. Like this:

microsieverts per hour = (impulses per minute) * 0.0092

where 0.0092 is a coefficient obtained from the tube manufacturer's documentation.

Tubes can vary (+ -20%), so we recommend using a conversion factor of 0.0054 to 0.0092 and calibrating the calculations with a trusted (certified) device.

Product kit sets

GGreg20_V3 basic

  1. GGreg20_V3 module --- 1 pc.
  2. SBM-20 tube --- 1 pc.

Connectors (installed) and cables

  1. Connectors JST XH 2P male straight --- 2 pcs. for installation on the module board;
  2. Pulse output cable 15 cm with connectors --- 1 pc:
    • JST XH 2P female on one side and;
    • Dupont 2x1P female on the other side.
  3. Power supply input cable 15 cm with JST XH 2P female connector on one side --- 1 pc.