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Published on November 13, 2024 by Marc Prosser
Safecast is excited to announce the launch of the bGeigieZen, the latest iteration and evolution in our open-source Geiger counter series.
The new Geiger counter is part of our ongoing citizen science mission to empower individuals to create actionable insights by gathering, analyzing, and sharing environmental data.
The bGeigieZen also builds on the legacy of the bGeigieNano, a model known for its accuracy, robust design, and versatility in radiation monitoring.
The bGeigieZen is a compact, GPS-equipped Geiger counter designed for both mobile and stationary radiation data collection.
The unit uses modern hardware to ensure ease of use while maintaining compatibility with Safecast’s established data and mapping systems. It allows users to precisely map radiation levels in their local environment, while also contributing to a broader understanding of environmental safety.
The bGeigieZen can log data in real-time using Wi-Fi. Users can also choose to upload data from an onboard SD card. In both instances, users can easily and intuitively make sense of the data via the Safecast API and online map, making it a powerful tool for individuals and communities alike to gain insights into the situation in the areas where they are.
The bGeigieZen is designed with simplicity, reliability, and ease of use in mind.
Users can assemble the device from a kit with step-by-step instructions in about 30 minutes, or choose to receive a fully assembled version. By streamlining the components, Safecast has made the device more affordable, while maintaining the high performance of our tools and incorporating the latest IoT hardware.
Key features include:
M5Stack Core processor and display: A powerful and easily programmable processor.
LND-7317 pancake-type Geiger-Müller sensor: Ensures accurate radiation readings.
Beitian BK-880Q GPS module: The high-performance module provides precise location tracking of radiation data.
3000mAh Li-ion battery: The device is powered by a standard 18650 Li-ion battery and can easily be replaced. Note that the kit and assembled versions ships without a battery for a simpler, faster, and more cost-effective delivery.
Additional features include Bluetooth (BLE) and Wi-Fi connectivity, making the device suitable for many use cases, from individual data collection to larger-scale monitoring networks.
The bGeigieZen can also serve as a fixed radiation sensor, sending real-time data to Safecast servers every five minutes. In mobile real-time mode, the device can send data every 5 seconds.
Why “Zen”?
The name “Zen” was chosen to reflect the device’s simplicity in design. Like the bGeigieNano, the bGeigieZen offers robust performance without unnecessary complexity. It is designed to be easy to build, use, and update.
Firmware updates are streamlined, using a USB-C cable and the M5burner software, which is compatible across multiple operating systems. The latest code and be downloaded and easily flashed/burned to the bGeigieZen.
The bGeigieZen is built with future adaptability in mind. It includes a Grove I2C connector, which allows users to easily add other sensors for additional data collection needs. This flexibility ensures the device can evolve as environmental monitoring requirements change.
There are two design options for the bGeigieZen: the standard model and the NFW model. The NFW version features a minimalist aesthetic aimed at users who prefer a clean, non-technical look.
An extra cradle is available in the bGeigieZen store for effortless wireless charging—simply place your device in the cradle, and it will start charging automatically.
As with all Safecast products, the bGeigieZen is part of our open-source initiative. We provide online user manuals and build guides to support the community, and our development team holds weekly meetings to continue improving both hardware and software. Future updates may introduce 4G and satellite connectivity, enhancing the device’s functionality in regions with limited infrastructure.
We are currently accepting purchase reservations for the bGeigieZen. You can secure yours through our online store, which offers payment options via direct bank deposit or PayPal. To learn more and reserve your bGeigieZen, visit bGeigieZen on Safecast. We also have upgrade kits for the bGeigieNano.
Whether you’re a longtime Safecast supporter or new to our mission, we look forward to the community sharing data and how they use the bGeigieZen to support citizen science in their area.
We can’t do this alone! If you are interested in a more hands-on approach, we are always excited to add members to Safecast’s global network of volunteers.
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