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Manifest: DIY Dosimeter-Radiometer on Arduino & DP-5V

Project Identity

Field Value
Project Name DIY Dosimeter-Radiometer
Based on Arduino + DP-5V military survey meter
Current Version 0.3.0
License GNU General Public License v3.0
Project Type Open Source Hardware/Software
Target Audience Makers, hobbyists, physics educators, electronics enthusiasts

Core Purpose

To transform a Soviet-era military radiation survey meter (DP-5V) into a modern, digital dosimeter-radiometer with accurate measurement capabilities, statistical analysis, and an intuitive LCD interface — while preserving educational value and experimental flexibility.

Design Philosophy

1. Educational First

The project prioritizes understanding over black-box functionality. Every algorithm is documented, explained, and made transparent. Users should learn why things work, not just that they work.

2. Scientific Accuracy

Despite being a DIY project, measurements must be statistically sound:

  • Proper dead time compensation
  • Poisson statistics for error estimation
  • Calibration against reference instruments
  • Transparent limitations and assumptions

3. Practical Usability

  • One-button interface for simplicity
  • Clear, readable LCD display
  • Audible/visual pulse feedback
  • Two display modes (instant rate + accumulated dose)
  • Automatic adaptation to radiation levels

4. Open Development

  • Full source code availability
  • Detailed documentation
  • Modular architecture for experimentation
  • Version control and changelog

Core Algorithms

Algorithm Purpose Key Innovation
Hardware Interrupts Pulse counting Zero missed counts, even at high rates
Software Dead Time Signal filtering Eliminates false counts from pulse "ringing"
Dynamic Sliding Window CPS averaging Adapts window size (5s/30s) based on radiation level
Dead Time Compensation Physical correction Mathematical correction for tube recovery time
Poisson Statistics Error estimation Scientific uncertainty measurement
Dose Integration Cumulative tracking Running total of accumulated dose

Technical Stack

  • Microcontroller: ATmega328P (Arduino Uno/Nano)
  • Programming Language: C++ (Arduino framework)
  • Display: LCD 16×2 with I2C
  • Input: Single button with long/short press detection
  • Output: Piezo buzzer, LED, LCD
  • Signal Source: DP-5V audio output (with matching circuit)

Version Philosophy

v0.x — Experimental Phase

  • Core algorithms proof-of-concept
  • Basic functionality implemented
  • Subject to significant changes
  • Community feedback welcome

Future v1.0 — Stable Release

  • All core features mature
  • API stability
  • Comprehensive documentation
  • Multiple hardware variants supported

Development Principles

  1. KISS (Keep It Simple, Stupid) — Avoid unnecessary complexity
  2. Document as you code — Every function has a purpose, every purpose is explained
  3. Test with real hardware — Theory must work on actual DP-5V units
  4. Respect the hardware — Proper interfacing, no damage to vintage equipment
  5. Scientific rigor — Measurements must be defensible

Scope Boundaries

✅ In Scope

  • Geiger pulse counting and processing
  • Dose rate calculation (µSv/h)
  • Accumulated dose tracking
  • Statistical error estimation
  • LCD user interface
  • Single-button interaction
  • Calibration against reference

❌ Out of Scope

  • Certified safety measurements
  • Medical applications
  • Regulatory compliance
  • Professional metrology
  • Commercial production

Success Metrics

  1. Accuracy: ±20% of reference instrument after calibration
  2. Stability: Smooth readings on stable background
  3. Responsiveness: <10 seconds to detect significant increase
  4. Usability: Intuitive enough for first-time user
  5. Documentation: Complete coverage of all algorithms
  6. Reliability: 24/7 continuous operation possible

Community Values

  • Open collaboration — All contributions welcome
  • Respectful discourse — No toxic behavior
  • Learning together — Questions encouraged
  • Sharing knowledge — Document findings
  • Attribution — Credit where due

Current Status

Version 0.3.0 — Feature Complete

  • ✅ Hardware interrupt counting
  • ✅ Software dead time filtering
  • ✅ Dynamic sliding window averaging
  • ✅ Dead time compensation
  • ✅ Poisson error estimation
  • ✅ Dose accumulation
  • ✅ Dual display modes
  • ✅ Long/short press button control
  • ✅ I2C LCD output
  • ✅ Calibration support

In Progress

  • Additional display formats
  • Data logging capability
  • Low-power modes
  • Multiple tube type support

Project Structure

/
├── firmware/               # Arduino sketches
│   └── arduino/
│       ├── geiger_0.2.0/
│       └── geiger_0.3.0/
├── docs/                   # Documentation
│   ├── SOFTWARE_RU.md      # Russian algorithm docs
│   ├── SOFTWARE_EN.md      # English algorithm docs
│   ├── architecture.md     # System architecture
│   ├── flowchart.md        # Algorithm flowchart
│   ├── math_model.md       # Mathematical foundations
│   ├── LIMITATIONS_RU.md   # Known limitations (RU)
│   ├── LIMITATIONS_EN.md   # Known limitations (EN)
│   └── TODO.md             # Future improvements
├── assets/                 # Images and resources
│   ├── device_photo_400.jpg
│   └── connection_diagram_600.jpg
├── README.md               # This file
└── manifest.md             # Project manifesto

Acknowledgments

  • The open-source Arduino community
  • Soviet engineers who designed the DP-5V
  • Contributors who test and improve the code
  • Educators using this for physics demonstrations
  • Everyone who documents their experiments

"Make it work, make it right, make it fast — in that order."
— Traditional engineering wisdom

Version 0.3.0 | Last updated: February 2026 | GitHub Repository