I’ve just read an article on Tizen.org about Samsung and Intersoft Eurasia collaboration about a “personal radiation monitoring device DO-RA” sending data over Bluetooth 4.0 LE. But a visit to their website showed other models such as DO-RA-Q using a 3.5mm audio jack, and compatible with smartphone, and Windows & Linux computer. I could not find any of their devices for sale, so I searched for some alternatives, and I found FTLAB FSG-001 radiation counter on Aliexpress, Amazon and eBay selling between $30 and $40.
FTLAB FSG-001 Geiger counter specifications:
- Radiation measurement of: gamma, X-rays
- Measurement range – 0.1 to 200 μSv/h
- Measurement error – <30% within a given deviation between
- Dimensions – Φ10 x 30 mm (total length: 47mm with 3.5mm audio jack)
- Weight – 6 grams
- Operating temperature – 10 to 40 ℃
You’ll need to plug the dongle into your smartphone audio jack, and download FTLAB “SmartGeiger” app for Android or iOS.
If you want to check nuclear radiation you’ll then need to point to the object (e.g. food item like fish or vegetables) for at least 3 minutes, and they recommend 10 minutes for more accurate results. It’s supposed to work with any smartphone, but the company warn that measurements may vary slightly depending on the smartphone model.
Accuracy is unclear, but the eBay page shows a picture pitting a professional radiation counter against FTLAB FSG-01 and results are similar. A YouTube video also shows a quick demo of the system using an old compass with a radium infused dial.
Jean-Luc started CNX Software in 2010 as a part-time endeavor, before quitting his job as a software engineering manager, and starting to write daily news, and reviews full time later in 2011.
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Do the jacks on the phones put out power for the device? Just curious about that more than anything. Looks like 4 contact rings.
also my phone has a heavy surround on the phone for drop protection, so wonder if there is enough extension or a measurement on how thick the protection on the phone can be that this device can extend thru.
@jim stephens
They don’t specifically send out power but you can harvest a little energy (milliwatts) from e.g a generated audio tone signal
The 4 rings are because of the microphone path, which is used here to return the signal representing the reading.
@jim stephens
@JM is right about energy harvesting.
This article explains how this type of system works: http://www.cnx-software.com/2014/05/29/nxp-smartphone-quick-jack-solution-connects-to-your-smartphone-audio-jack-and-interfaaces-with-sensors-hmi-devices/
does this employs giger muller tube or low power semi conductor based detector
But the headphone jack is going away from iPhone THIS YEAR. There’s no way I am buying a product that will be obsolete in a month.
What is your plan to offer a lightning version?
@germinator
The latest DO-RA geiger counter is relying on Bluetooth (first link) so no connector needed. I’m not sure when they’ll start selling it, and at what price though.
i still doubt its accuracy. i also dont think its convenient, 10 mins to get a accurate result. it means that 3 mins would only get an unreliable reading
@germinator
this is only regard to your 2nd line comment about 3.5mm jack obsolescence
you should wrote that audio jack is going “obsolete” only for you (iphone7 users)
i.e. “There’s no way I am buying a product that will be obsolete for me in a month.”
the way you put it, read like 3.5mm jack is going the way of the dinosaur (extinct).
@germinator:
You should ask for a ‘mfi’ version of the product: even the bluetooth one will hardly be compatibile with your picky phone!