Post
Topic
Board Project Development
Re: I am going to build a true random number generator ...
by
DeathAndTaxes
on 08/04/2014, 17:57:04 UTC
While I don't really know anything about your setup or geiger counters in general, it does seem like an expensive component. Would the cheap geiger counters on ebay not be good enough for the task?

Probably.  The G-M tube selected is very sensitive to alpha radiation.  This allows a high number of events (counts per minute) without needing to use a source with high beta or gamma activity (dangerous).  It is very possible that cheaper less sensitive tube will also work depending on the radioactive source and the throughput of random bits required.  I intend the design to use a simple two pin connector for attaching the tube using soldered on leads, and an adjustable high voltage power supply so the design could be adaptable to other tubes which operate in a 300V to 500V range.