I've designed a new version that I haven't built yet, but it's looking pretty cool. The changes are:
- No need for batteries to power the amplifier. I have some doubts about whether this will work, as the first stage is a bit tricky (with tens of gigaohms as a feedback resistor), but I will give it a try. Now, I use a small DC/DC converter to create a negative voltage for the amplifier. Everything is powered by a 9V wall adapter. There are still batteries to polarize the ionization chamber, but since it draws almost no current, it's fine.
- Made it more compact. I just want something I can put on my shelf, connect to a data logger, and monitor background radiation. I have made a data logger and I want to use this device as a source of data for it, you can check this project on Hackaday, I have 112 followers here! :))
The device now consists of four parts:
- Ionization chamber (I was considering ordering it to be cut out on a CNC, but it's too expensive).
- Polarization for the ionization chamber (three 12V batteries instead of just two). I hope this will increase sensitivity.
- Amplifier PCB (it has spaces for the mentioned batteries). The metal chassis is the same.
- PCB with data processing and power supply handling (same ADC, same microcontroller).
To summarize, the new version will be just more robust (if it works)!
I will share the diagrams I made below. If you have any remarks, I would appreciate them.
Below is the amplifier PCB and its rendering.
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Below is the acquisition module and its rendering.
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I hope to have time soon to build this version and share the results with you.
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