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Small Geiger Counter in Altoids Tin

$280.00

Handmade custom pocket sized Geiger counter in an Altoids Peppermint tin! Picks up Beta, Gamma and X radiation (not tested for X-ray). Great covert Geiger counter type radiation detector for hunting Vaseline glass, radioactive fiestaware, and radium watches in antique/resale shops and garage sales. World's smallest Geiger counter, not quite but close!

Before clicking "Add to Cart" please be sure to select the style of data cable you would like included with your Geiger counter, see bottom of paqe.

Made (March, 2021) by Chuck Pound, Mineral Point, Wisconsin. This is number 5 of this model. I own the original (and use it often) the other three have been sold, this one can be yours!. This is the second of the series that has an external power input allowing you to take extra long term readings without using the battery. I feel that this version is built physically stronger, plus it has a better signal output for other devices to use than my past versions, including my own.

Free Shipping to 50 US states! Only one available at this time!

Geiger-Müller tube is type SI29BG. This unit does not have a digital display, only audio tics and a LED. So, true, it does not actually "count," probably better called a radiation detector that uses a Geiger Müller tube. The Geiger counter can be attached to the microphone input of an Android phone to see counts per minute using "RadMeter" from google play, works fine on my old Galaxy S5 but may not work on all Android devices. A cable will be provided (4 conductor - TRRS). Should be able to attach to Apple phones, but that has not been tested. There are only two controls, power on-off and audio mute. Uses any kind of standard style 9 volt battery, very long battery life, 100 to 500 hours depending on use and battery type. An electronic schematic and full instructions will be included.

I often carry my first build of this design in my pocket. It has been fun to find and point out common radioactive items in people's home or shops. My version has been carried many times while hiking. I take it with me when traveling to western states and have found several places where various radioactive minerals are common. Mines in Utah are easy to spot, this device will readily let you know when you are getting too close. I found what I think is Pitchblende or maybe Samarskite to be plentiful at a place in the mountains above Boulder, Colorado (Colorado Front Range has a history of uranium production). Radioactive pavement was an interesting find in Wyoming a few years ago!

  • No returns if the unit has been physically damaged, modified, or altered in any way! 
  • Returns only if unit is not as described. 
  • Unit will be very well packed for shipping. 
  • Ask for shipping insurance to be added to your invoice, before you pay, if you feel shipping insurance is needed. We will not be responsible for loss in the mail or mis-delivery. When USPS says the package has been delivered, it will be considered by us to have been delivered.
  • Free USPS shipping! Want it faster? Select Priority Mail service when paying.
  • Any questions, please ask! (Contact Us)

I will repair the unit for free (you pay to ship it to me) if it fails within 65 days of shipping date, as long as the unit has not been physically damaged, modified, or altered in any way. That is, if the electronics fail for no apparent reason, I'll fix it. If you drop it, open the box and damage the electronics, or something like that, I may be able to fix it for a fee. Free repair does not include the Geiger-Müller tube. If the Geiger-Müller tube fails a fee will apply and repair may take a month or longer, to obtain a replacement. I have not had a Geiger-Müller tube fail in approximately 5-6 years that I have been making Geiger counters. I have one that uses a similar but different tube running continuously for several years now. You must contact us before returning the Geiger counter. Condition final decision will be made by seller.

I have had a unit like this since February 2017. I carry and use it often and have experienced no problems.

Be sure to select the style of data cable you would like included with your Geiger counter. Standard cable for Android is included free. You may add the "Deluxe Cable" for connection to a computer's USB port. Instructions and source for making your own USB kit are provided. Some simple soldering is required to do it yourself, as well as purchasing the USB converter, $20 shipped at last check, and other parts.

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