PC-GM5/6 V 1.3

Geiger counter PC-GM5 and PC-GM6 program.

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Screenshots

Documentation

Known Bugs

Previous versions

Introduction

This program is for the very low consumption Geiger Muller counter PC-GM5 or PC-GM6. These pages give all information to build the hardware part of the counter. For information, the current consumption the counter is around 30µA in normal mode.

To download the program on the counter, you must use a JTAG probe MSP-FET430UIF.

Program for the Geiger Muller counter PC-GM5 and PC-GM6

Download Version 1.3: This program carries out a Count Per Minute (CPM) and a count by 24H. It displays the number of CPM and the average of pulse per 24H (At the end of 24 hours, otherwise, since the starting up of the counter). It displays the result in µSv.h on the basis of the CPM and on the average of the counting per 24H. Eventually, you have to adjust the "conversion factor" value (CPM <-> µSv/h) according to your Geiger-Muller tube. The couting is sent to the host by the serial port com (USB emulated). In this way, you can make your statistics on your computer by using the GeigerPC software.

You'll find in the directory ...\release\exe:

• The exe files Geiger1_bargraph.a43 and geiger1_bargraph.txt for the version with bargraph management (__FIX_PCB_BARGRAPH TRUE in lcd.h)
• The exe files Geiger1.a43 and geiger1.txt for the version without bargraph management (__FIX_PCB_BARGRAPH FALSE in lcd.h)

Display

The counter displays data on a dedicated LCD display. The images above (click to enlarge) shows how the display is used in normal operation. Pushbuttons allow to interact with the GM counter to validate the alarms, the errors and to change some settings. For clarification, see the documentation (in French).

The first image shows the display with the not modified PCB. The second image shows the display with the modified PCB. The bargraph is used as indicator for the current rate of radioactivity.

 

Technical documentation

Environment and target platform

• tested on OLIMEX MSP430 449SK2
• Development environment: IAR Workbench
• Functionnal documentation (in French)

Files

• geiger1.c and geiger1.h : main program
• lcd.c and lcd.h : display management
• geigerutil.c and geigerutil.h : some utilitaries (battery management, send/receive...)
• geigerutilasm.s43 and geigerutilasm.h : some utilitaries, assembler
• globales.h : global data

Communication with the counter

Serial link (COMx), 9600bps, 8 bits, 1 stop, Parity none.

Protocol

Described in the functionnal documentation (in French) and the page dedicated to the GeigerPC software.

 

Known Bugs

You can report the bugs of the program by using the "contact" on the home page.