Miniature Radiation Detector - Small Pocket Size Geiger Counter in Altoids Tin

Description

You are looking at a homemade, pocket size, miniature "Geiger counter" disguised in an Altoids tin.
Artistically made and sold on eBay by Chuck Pound, Mineral Point, WI. Listed as "new" due to the purchaser being the first owner other than the person who made it.
This is a real ionizing radiation detector that uses a SI29BG Geiger Muller tube and homemade electronics. This radiation detector will detect the presence of Beta particles, Gamma rays, and X rays (untested for X rays). This will not detect electromagnetic radiation such as from a cell phone or microwave oven. Electromagnetic radiation detection requires a completely different device, no "Geiger counter" will do that.
This is a good unit to use when hunting in antique and second hand stores for items such as radioactive Fiesta Ware and other ceramics, Vaseline (uranium) glass, Radium watches and instruments, etc. It is sensitive enough to pick up radiation from a container of Nu-Salt salt substitute (potassium chloride) and easily detects weak uranium glass marbles. A thorium lantern mantle sets the unit off very well.
Although this is a real working radiation detector, it is an educational/entertainment item. It is not intended to be relied on for safety issues. Do so at your own risk.
This device is simple to use. Turn it on, hold near a sample you wish to test. If the clicking sound increases, then radioactivity is present. Simple as that. There is an LED that flashes in sync with the clicks. To avoid attracting attention you can turn the sound off and still measure radiation by observing the LED.
There are only two controls, Power On-Off and Sound On-Off. Pretty simple! There is a connector for an external device to count the radiation clicks. The connection requires a 4 conductor plug and cable (TRRS - included).This is tested on an old Samsung S5 and an older Lenovo tablet. It should work on iOS (not tested) and some digital counters (5V TTL).
Compatibility with your device is not guaranteed.
For Android devices a tested, working app is RadMeter on Google Play. On Windows I use Radlog (find at Radmon org).
Included are full instructions and some other information as well as service information should it be needed. Also there is a cable kit with TRRS connectors to connect your Android device and a USB converter so you can connect the radiation detector to a computer. It is so small, you can carry it everywhere! Battery should last 100-350 hours depending on use and battery type.
I have had the first version of this detector for 4+ years and carry/use it often. Entertaining to use in second hand stores, friends houses, camping and hiking, etc. When visiting western states I have found many different kinds of radioactive rocks in Colorado, Wyoming, Utah. This unit becomes very active if you are near one of the many abandoned uranium mines in those states. Camping in such an area? This device lets you know where you should probably not camp...
You do need to be somewhat careful of the Geiger Muller tube extending from the Altoids tin. It is made from very thin metal and can be easy to damage if treated roughly. When I carry my version of this radiation detector I use a small case intended for a cell phone attached to my belt or backpack.
There will be some radiation detection with no sample present, this is mostly normal background radiation. This background radiation will vary with location. Higher in CO, WY, UT, lower in IA, WI, IL, etc.
You may have seen advertisements for inexpensive "Geiger counters" to be used for detecting radiation in food. Most of those advertisements are not quite honest. It requires an advanced, expensive, instrument to do such a thing in most cases. So please do not purchase this thinking you can test your food. In fact, this instrument (and most inexpensive radiation detectors) should not be be relied on for any real safety issue or situation.
Free shipping in U.S.A.
No returns if the unit has been physically/electrically damaged, modified, or altered in any way!
Returns only if unit is not as described.
Unit will be very well packed for shipping.
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 6-7 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.