The DRSB-01 is a Geiger Counter that gives audible (clicks) and visible indications (a green led and a red led) when elevated levels of radioactivity are detected: ionizing gamma rays and hard beta-rays.
You can use it to check the presence of ionizing radiation and get an idea on the dose (based on the frequency of clicks), but this device is not capable of doing any precise measurements.
A very simple example of a radiation dosimeter, can be used to learn the basic radiation detection principles: a Geiger-Muller tube, a small power source, an inverter, and a detector circuit, connected to the led and the speaker.
Scale range ambient dose rate equivalent: | 0.003 … 0.6 μSv/h |
Range of registered energy | 1) gamma radiation, unknown 2) X-ray radiation, unknown 3) beta radiation, unknown 4) alpha radiation, not detected |
Time of calculations | Instant |
Time of indication | continuous |
Power elements | 2 AA batteries |
Overall dimensions | 150x65x21 mm |
Weight (w/o batteries) | 0.125 KG |
It is bigger then my Radex 1706 or the Terra-P MKS 05, but smaller then the CDV 700 or the CDV 717.
The dosimeter is intended for use at temperatures from -10°C to 40 °C, relative humidity up to 80%, normal atmospheric pressure (650-800 mm Hg). Dampness will interfere with its high voltage generating circuit. Keep the radiation dosimeter clean and protect it from impact, dampness, and harsh environments.
One set of batteries will operate the radiation dosimeter continuously for at least 100 hours under natural background radiation conditions.
It came with two pages of instructions, you can see them here: DRSB instructions.
My uranium glass marbles, give higher-than-background clicks, and the green led lights frequently:
The CHECK Source DU on the CDV 700 casing, brings the RED led on:
As I said, this is a very simple Geiger Counter device. You can see the schematics here:
I plan to add a Microcontroller and an LCD to “enhance” this dosimeter. But more on that later!
Did you end up adding the microcontroller and LCD?? I would be interested in hearing how you did it…
Not yet, but I will do it soon.
I have DSRB-01. Mine makes a high pitched hissing noise, I guess it’s from the high voltage components. Does yours do this? I’m thinking there may be a modification to fix it.
Hi Jake, mine does it also, it’s from the high voltage circuit, it is operating on an ultrasonic frequency used because of the ferrite core.
The only adjustment I can think of is to increase the frequency, so you wouldn’t hear it anymore – but this would also affect the transformer’s output, and your GM detector might become useless. IMO its not worthy.
I’ve got one too. I’m very interested in how to add an LCD
I plan to do that later and post the details on this blog.
A friend of mine did it already , and his setup looks neat and seems to function very well.
See: http://www.cyberpcb.com/index_002.htm and his video on: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5IWn8H0pbQ4