Hackers in Residence - Cosmic Ray Detector

Testing

Tools Needed

• Oscilloscope, Arduino, Audio Recorder, or Other Output/Logging Device
• Smoke Detector or Propane Lamp Mantle as Radiation Source
• BNC-to-BNC or BNC-to-Dual Alligator Cable
• Nitrile Gloves

Procedure

1. Connect the detector to the output or logging device using one of the above cables.
2. Allow for the unit to sit for a few hours with data being logged at as high of a sampling rate as possible.
3. Put on gloves.
4. Power down the detector by removing one battery.
5. Re-power the detector by reconnecting the battery.
6. Place smoke detector sensor or propane lamp mantle right over the neon bulb, and allow it to sit there for a few minutes.
7. Remove the radiation source, and remove gloves using this method.
8. Check the data: there should be some spikes in the signal several samples wide during the first few hours, while there should be no additional spikes during the time that the detector was exposed to the radiation source.