Safecast is excited to share a few recent developments in the bGeigieZen Geiger counter ecosystem and give you a glimpse into some of the upgrades we are currently working on.

After extensive work, the Safecast team has successfully extended the bGeigieZen’s battery life from 16 hours to up to 40 hours on a single charge, depending on the operating mode. This improvement was achieved by switching to the latest 4000mAh Vapcell N40 18650 battery and optimizing the device’s power consumption.

One of the most intuitive new features of the bGeigieZen is the addition of sound. Audible radiation counts introduce a powerful layer of immediacy and accessibility, the key reasons behind this upgrade. While earlier versions of the bGeigieNano offered limited sound feedback, the initial bGeigieZen models lacked this feature entirely.

Now, the latest beta firmware includes a software-controlled audio option, delivering clear, efficient, and customizable click sounds. This enhancement makes it easier to use the device in the field and brings radiation data to life in a way that’s both practical and engaging.

Whether you’re collecting data or demonstrating how radiation detection works, sound now helps make the invisible audible and relatable.

We’re also making steady progress in upgrading the GPS capabilities of the bGeigieZen. One of the most frequently requested improvements has been more reliable GPS tracking during flights. Standard GPS modules often struggle to provide accurate location data when airborne due to hardware constraints and legal restrictions related to high-altitude and high-speed positioning.

Two members of our development team are actively focused on this challenge. Early tests of new configurations and firmware adjustments have shown promising results, allowing the Zen to better acquire and retain GPS signals while in flight mode.

There’s still work ahead, but we’re confident this upgrade will significantly benefit users who collect data while traveling.

We’re excited to share progress on our ongoing shift toward fully open-source hardware and software. While this transition is still in motion, our goal is clear: to make Safecast’s tools transparent, customizable, and truly community-owned.

By reducing reliance on proprietary components and commercial licenses, we aim to foster broader collaboration and ensure long-term sustainability. Already, we’re seeing the benefits incliuding faster prototyping, smoother integration, and simpler workflows for contributors helping to advance both hardware and firmware.

Some parts of this transition will take time, but we’re committed to sharing updates as we move forward. Your feedback and involvement remain essential to this open future.

As always, we’re guided by the needs and feedback of our community. If you’re testing new features, building your own custom bGeigieZen, or interested in helping us take on the next set of challenges, we’d love to hear from you!

If you have questions or feedback about these updates, please join the conversation in our forum or reach out to the development team directly via GitHub.

For more information about the bGeigieZen visit https://bgeigiezen.safecast.jp
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