Geiger Counter Specifics

A geiger counter is a tool that radiologists use to measure radiation of all different forms. Although not the only method of radiation sensing, it has proven to be the most efficient. To continue my project, it is necessary for me to purchase one of my own.

Making the right decision for which geiger counter to buy involves several variables. Different geiger counters have different features; some have a variety of radiation measures (alpha, beta, gamma, etc), some have different variations of the Geiger-Müller tube receptor, some have internal data logging, some are more expensive, and so on.

Obviously the less expensive, the better. Data logging is technically not vital to the geiger counter, but is very useful. The classic wand sensor is great as is the internal sensor, and the differences between them have been said to be too small to base a purchase off of which type a geiger counter has, but the preferred version is the internal sensor. As for the range of sensing, I will need as much sensing as possible. Alpha sensing is included in most counters, but some don't have it.

One of the favorites among the scientific community is the GCA-07W-DL Digital Geiger Counter, as shown above. It has functionality for alpha sensing, internal data logging, and has a wand sensor. It is on the cheaper side, ranging from $350 - $400 depending on where you buy it.

As detailed and time-consuming as it is, buying the right geiger counter will save me both money and tears if I discover I bought one that doesn't have the right functionalities.