The radmon.org radbox-20

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8 years 11 months ago #989 by bethsalem
Replied by bethsalem on topic The radmon.org radbox-20

Some more observations since my Radbox-20 has been up and running for about a day.

Firstly, I'm using the same type of GM tube, an SBM-20, but the circuitry is different form my NetIO GC10, and it's now outside, but my count rate has dropped 5.76% according to RadLog since installation. I've attached a screenshot so you can physically see the drop in cpm.

I wonder if this is statistically significant? I really should put the GC10 outside as well and test them both under the same conditions, but I'm running out of usb ports on my computer :S I suspect it is, but I can't, for the moment prove it experimentally.

Another thing I've noticed is that during daylight hours today the cpm seems to be more stable than last night. Have a look at the second screenshot to see if you agree or not. I'll keep and eye on this and see if it is the norm or a one off.

Stephen


Another observation about real/imaginary differences between day and night detections now that the box is outside. After sunset last night there was a noticeable dip in the cpm for a few hours before it returned to average. The weather was roughly 15C, 60% humidity, cloudless skies and a stiff breeze blowing from the north-west.

I've posted some screenshots so you can see what I mean.
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8 years 11 months ago #990 by mw0uzo
Replied by mw0uzo on topic The radmon.org radbox-20
Yes interesting. I have been thinking about that dip today, wondering what it could be. Random? Doesn't look like it.
Was your computer doing anything intensive at that time? It would have to be intensive and swapping enough to cause audio to break up. Then counts might be missed.

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8 years 11 months ago - 8 years 11 months ago #994 by bethsalem
Replied by bethsalem on topic The radmon.org radbox-20
There was no unusual activity on my computer last night at the time of the dip. In fact everything was boringly normal :) I noticed over on the SpaceWeather.com site they're reporting a "Forbrush Decrease" due to a CME sweeping away extra solar radiation. It does seem to coincide with my dip. Coincidence or related? We really need more Radboxes outside, right now! :lol:
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Last edit: 8 years 11 months ago by bethsalem. Reason: Additional information

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8 years 11 months ago - 8 years 11 months ago #997 by bethsalem
Replied by bethsalem on topic The radmon.org radbox-20
I think this diagram makes things a little clearer.
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Last edit: 8 years 11 months ago by bethsalem. Reason: Attachment didn't attach properly

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8 years 11 months ago #998 by ozycon
Replied by ozycon on topic The radmon.org radbox-20
Ok my radbox-20 is plugged in and flashing away nicely! :)

Really impressed with the build quality and the quality of the components used and the unit looks great too thanks Dan. I'm just testing it in my living room at the moment and hope to get it mounted outside over the next couple of weeks.

mw0uzo & bethsalem I'd be interested to know what configuration you have for the pulse width and dead time etc as I'm using the default setting and keeping an eye on it atm.

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8 years 11 months ago - 8 years 11 months ago #999 by mw0uzo
Replied by mw0uzo on topic The radmon.org radbox-20
Great news :D
My settings are 0.025 detect level and 0.5ms for minimum pulse width and dead time. These are probably different from the defaults in v0.41, I have changed them since making the radbox-20. These will be the new defaults in v0.42.
I'm very glad you like the build quality and component choice. I used better quality parts, connectors, cable and enclosure. This has increased the price somewhat, but IMO are essential for use outdoors, proper watertightness, decent low noise cable etc.
Last edit: 8 years 11 months ago by mw0uzo.

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