62 lines
6.0 KiB
Markdown
62 lines
6.0 KiB
Markdown
If the detector does not work properly or you are not sure about it:
|
|
|
|
1. compare again the *correct position of each component* with the parts overview sheets:
|
|
[electron-detector](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/ozel/DIY_particle_detector/master/hardware/V1.2/documentation/DIY%20detector%20-%20parts%20overview%20v1-2%20electron%20version.pdf) ([German version](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/ozel/DIY_particle_detector/master/hardware/V1.2/documentation/DIY%20detector%20-%20parts%20overview%20v1-2%20electron%20version%20DE.pdf))
|
|
or [alpha-spectrometer](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/ozel/DIY_particle_detector/master/hardware/V1.2/documentation/DIY%20detector%20-%20parts%20overview%20v1-2%20alphaspectrometer%20version.pdf)
|
|
- doublecheck the *orientation* of the [[Diodes]] D1-D4 (where is the anode/cathode pin?)
|
|
- doublecheck the *orientation* of the black amplifier chip U1 (where is pin 1?)
|
|
- doublecheck the *orientation* of the large electrolytic capacitor C8 (where is its negative/minus pin?)
|
|
1. connect the detector to a real hardware oscilloscope
|
|
- debugging the detector directly on a microphone/headset input by using a software oscilloscope is likely to introduce additional sources of problems
|
|
- test those audio inputs at least with a real headset or microphone before attaching the detector
|
|
- make sure that the software oscilloscope is recording from the correct channel
|
|
- increase the microphone input volume/gain settings of the operating system, a good range is 50% to 100%
|
|
- try different gain settings while always adjusting the trigger level accordingly, a setting of 100% may produce too much noise and can hide signal pulses completely
|
|
- be sure to use the correct [[Cables]] with the detector
|
|
|
|
1. if you disconnect the battery and measure across the battery connector with an ohmmeter/multi-meter, it should read about 9-10 kilo Ohm
|
|
- if the resistance is close to zero or zero Ohm, there is a short-circuit (e.g "a bridge") between two connections that must be found and removed
|
|
- if the resistance is much higher or not measurable, some solder joints might be bad and should be resoldered
|
|
|
|
1. the signal line on the oscilloscope screen must change briefly every time when you switch the detector on/off or re-connect the battery
|
|
- if you see no reaction, re-check all the wire connections, solder joints
|
|
- make sure that the [[battery|Batteries]] is *not empty* and delivers at least 8.5 V when disconnected
|
|
- *as long as this issue is not solved, it makes no sense advancing to the other points below*
|
|
|
|
1. try to measure something that is proven to be considerably radioactive
|
|
- a vintage piece of uranium glass from the flew market that produces at least 1 count per second with a Geiger-Müller counter
|
|
- a big bag of potassium salt = KCl. Sold as "No-Salt", "Lo-Salt" or "sodium-free dietary table salt" or simply as pure KCl from a pharmacy.
|
|
|
|
1. put the object as close as possible in front of the diodes, if possible inside the **metal eclosure** surrounding the detector!
|
|
|
|
1. put a thick black piece of cloth or towel on top of the [[detector case|Enclosures]] to make sure that all residual light is blocked!
|
|
- consider a darker room and avoid bright sunlight during the first tests
|
|
|
|
1. do not touch the detector or the table during the measurement (important with thin-walled candy tin boxes)
|
|
- if you hit the detector hard and quick with a finger, the vibration should appear as a short sine-like wave
|
|
|
|
1. compare the signals of your detector on a real oscilloscope with my reference screenshots
|
|
- ***Electron-detector reference pulses from KCl:***
|
|
<img width=600 src=https://raw.githubusercontent.com/ozel/DIY_particle_detector/master/images/oscilloscope_pulse_electron-detector.png>
|
|
- ***Alpha-Spectrometer reference pulses from KCl:***
|
|
<img width=600 src=https://raw.githubusercontent.com/ozel/DIY_particle_detector/master/images/oscilloscope_pulse_alpha-spectro.png>
|
|
(These pulses are only from electrons, alpha pulses would be even larger!)
|
|
Please refer to [[Oscilloscope Measurements]] for further details.
|
|
|
|
- if the noise range of your signal is much small or larger than the shown ones:
|
|
- there is most likely **still too much light reaching inside the case**
|
|
- or another electromagnetic source of radiation closeby and interfering
|
|
- there could be still a problem with how the components are soldered. Please re-check according to 1.
|
|
- make sure the switch and output connector are both firmly fixed to the metal walls.
|
|
- it will not work inside a plastic box, **the [[enclosure|Enclosures]] must be made from metal** (Faraday cage)
|
|
|
|
- if you see continuous 50 Hz, 100 Hz, or much higher frequency sine waves:
|
|
- most likely some fluorescent neon-tube or LED light is still reaching inside the detector enclosure
|
|
- a high-power electronic appliance or machine (electromotor, fridge compressor etc.) could create too much electromagnetic interference radiation (EMI) - try changing the room or even the building
|
|
- if the signal changes when the opened detector enclosure is exposed to light, that is generally a good sign and positive test result. but the shown reference signal pulses and noise range can be only observed if the *closed enclosure is completely blocking any form of light*.
|
|
|
|
- when accidentally swapping the ground and output signal connection or with certain soundcards/headset inputs, *the pulses may appear inverted and go upwards instead of downwards*:
|
|
- check for pulses above the noise level (instead of below it) by moving the trigger level of the oscilloscope upwards
|
|
|
|
Please start a new thread in the [GitHub Discussions](https://github.com/ozel/DIY_particle_detector/discussions) if none of those tips did the trick.
|
|
Also, consider asking a local maker space or fab-lab for support, they'll be likely glad to help. :-) |