The GK-Plus is a more deluxe kit that combines the functionality of the standard Geiger kit (GK-B5) with the Logging Shield, and uses a color graphic display and larger processor.
Some of the main hardware features of the GK-Plus:
- The board uses an ATmega1284P MCU with 4x the program space of the standard kit.
- A 128x160 1.8” TFT color graphic display is used.
- Improved components provide >1000V max HV.
- SD card, GPS, IR remote, and clock features from Logging Shield kit are supported.
- The HV, click, and processor areas are separated, and have their own ground planes.
- All I/O pins broken out. The board can be used as a 1284 development platform.
- Space left to replace the voltage regulator with a buck/boost reg for more power options.
The 3.3V display can be wired using a small level shifter board which is included with the kit. This board plugs into the first 11 pins on the main board and the display and SD card are wired to it.
When the GK-Plus is put in a case, this is the method you will probably use.
Another way to attach the display is with the optional "Display Adapter" pictured on the left. This board plugs into the main board, and the display plugs into it. (The display can also be soldered into it.)
The Display Adapter also includes the switches and buttons supported by the new SW on the board.
This makes for “instant gratification” J
display adaptor board
With the optional Display Adapter mated to the main board, the unit looks like the (bad) picture on the left.
If you are going to put the counter in a case, and supply your own controls, you may not want the Display Adapter.
A 128MB SD card is now included with the Display Adapter.
The controls on the Display Adapter board, or those that can be put on the case are:
Select Button – Depending on when used; sets the alarm threshold, switches display to the scaler screen, silences the alarm for 30 seconds.
Log Button - Used to manually log an entry to the SD card and serial output.
Null Button – Sets a new baseline when in "Tone Mode" where clicks are replaced by a tone which varies in pitch based on the CPM.
Speaker Switch - This switch just silences the speaker.
Tube Switch – Selects one of the two different CPM to dose ratios set in the menu.
Click / Tone Jumper - Selects either click sound or Tone Mode.
Count LED - Flashes for each event. On the Display Adapter this is just an extension of the LED on the main board.
Status LED - Flashes 4 times at start up, 2 times when sending serial output, and once when logging to the SD card.
Alarm - A piezo "buzzer" that sounds when you exceed the alarm threshold.
A 128MB SD card is now included with the Display Adapter.
The extra program space and graphic display allowed for new features to be added in addition to those of the GK-B5 kit with the Logging Shield. It also allows all features to be configured through the setup menu rather than recompiling and uploading the modified software.
main screen
Main screen at far left.
Scaler screen at right. Note that 1 minute count on top has finished, and 10 minute count below is still in progress.
scaler screen
A brief list of software features . . .
A TV remote (supplied) is used to navigate the menu system. Other features can be briefly described by listing some of the menu options . . .
You will find more information on GK-Plus features in the GK-Plus Users Guide - see below
and here's a short video (sound later in video) . . .
(atomic.dave was selling the GK-Plus assembled and in a case. He has some videos here and here.)
See the GK-Plus Downloads page for links to the appropriate Build Instructions and User Guide for your kit.
THIS DEVICE AND IT'S MEASUREMENTS IS NOT INTENDED TO GUIDE ACTIONS TO TAKE, OR NOT TO TAKE,
REGARDING EXPOSURE TO RADIATION. THE GEIGER KIT AND IT'S SOFTWARE ARE FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY.
DO NOT RELY ON THEM IN HAZARDOUS SITUATIONS!