Design of a Low-cost Radiation Weather Station

Area of Science:

• Environmental monitoring
• Radiation detection
• Open-source technology

Background:

• Traditional weather stations lack radiation monitoring capabilities.
• Existing combined sensor networks are prohibitively expensive for widespread deployment.
• Public awareness of background radiation and early detection of radiological events are crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop an affordable, open-source system for combined weather and radiation monitoring.
• To create a user-friendly database for educational purposes, particularly for high school students.
• To enable broad distribution of environmental and radiological monitoring technology.

Main Methods:

• Designed an inexpensive sensor package including anemometer, wind vane, and rain gauge.
• Utilized Raspberry Pi 4 microcomputers and custom printed circuit boards for data acquisition.
• Integrated a homemade Geiger-Mueller counter and consumer-grade radon monitor with wireless internet protocol communication.
• Implemented a cloud-based storage system for data aggregation and a website for data visualization.
• Developed weatherproof 3D-printed enclosures for outdoor and indoor components.

Main Results:

• Successfully created a functional and affordable integrated sensor system.
• Demonstrated the system's ability to collect and transmit weather and radiation data.
• Validated sensor functionality and accuracy through testing.
• Established an open-source database accessible via a continuously updated website.

Conclusions:

• The developed system offers a cost-effective solution for widespread environmental and radiological monitoring.
• The open-source platform facilitates data accessibility and educational engagement.
• This technology can enhance public awareness and provide early warnings for radiological incidents.