Specification

Safecast bGeigieZen

Summary

The Safecast bGeigieZen is a mobile radiation detector that’s easy to assemble, easy to use and easy to share data. It is as reliable as the bGeigie nano, but doesn’t require any technical skills to assemble. There are also some improvements that include a bigger display that’s easy to read, the sound levels can be controlled so clicks and alarms are can be made louder, the slimmer case makes it easy to hold, and built-in Wi-Fi and a wireless charging station converts it into a static sensor.

Safecast’s primary goal is to collect data and display it openly on the map. The data is collected by community volunteers who need a Safecast approved device to collect and upload. The Safecast bGeigie nano requires engineering skills to assemble (or access to those skills) and it takes 4-5 hours on average to build. This significantly reduces the number of people that will have the ability and time to assemble a device. The bGeigie Zen solves this problem because it doesn’t require technical skills to assemble and will be up and running in under max 30 minutes, including the upload of data as part of the first run test. We believe that by quickly moving the volunteer through assembly and focusing on helping them collect and upload the data and seeing their contribution to the map, that they will discover how easy it is and do more of it.

Team

• Joseph Chiu
• Pieter Franken
• Ray Ozzie
• Rob Oudendijk
• Robin Scheibler
• Jelle Bouwhuis
• Louis Bertrand
• Michael Beakes
• Pato Montalvo
• Shu Takahashi

Documentation

• GitHub https://github.com/Safecast/bGeigieZen
• Slack channel: #bgeigiezen

Firmware Design Specification

The firmware drives the built-in microcontroller module to make measurements and react to user input Firmware and user interface specification. The MCU is the M5Stack Core2 module (the original Core Basic is currently used in prototypes).

Requirements

GUI

Color scheme consistent throughout the design

• Gray_80% = Normal graphics, boxes and Text like menus, also if stale data (CPM etc.), status line
• Yellow = Active or fresh data
• Grayed out = inactive, not present
• Red status= Error, including text on status line
• Green status = safe/correct
• White  = active and correct data
• Orange= warning
• Shape should follow M5Satck Core outlines.

Must Have

• Up and running in under 30 minutes
• Assembly (10-15 mins)
• App install
• First use
• First upload
• Operates standalone; doesn’t require an app to function
• Easy to assemble (technical skills not required; snap together)
• Easy to read display (bigger, light-tolerant, easy scrolling)
• Easy to hear (louder clicks and manual adjustment)
• Easy to connect and upload data (Wi-Fi and Bluetooth)
• Easy to update firmware
• Easy to troubleshoot
• Modularize where possible

Nice To Have

• Wireless charging
• Base station for use as static sensor
• Long use battery
• Easy to ship battery
• Auto-detect mode (inside case, outside case, high altitudes)
• Multilingual
• Support
• How does a customer troubleshoot issues that come up?
• Firmware needs to be smart and diagnose the issue

How does a customer fix the hardware?

Keep in mind that this is geared towards people that don’t have technical skills, tools, or the time to deal with it. Buy a replacement board Send it to a verified by Safecast engineer/company for servicing

Personas

• Mom - wants to measure, not build
• Kid - kids love building stuff
• Grandpa - trembling hands
• Geeks - whatever!
• Students - high school and university
• Pro (not to be confused with geeks) - e.g. IEAE, IRSN, Swiss Army, etc
• Researcher
• Safecast Champion
• Safecast workshop participant (mom, dad, student, whatever)

User Stories

Workshop

Kit at home

I receive a friendly, clean white box in the mail with safecast sticker on it

Inside the box is a letter from Safecast welcoming me to the Safecast community

There’s a link on the instructions to the website

I pull everything out of the box as it’s explained. Once I’m familiar with the parts, I’m ready to assemble.

Connected the USC-C cable to the display and The display blinks, show the welcome menu, Yaay. I’m delighted with what a mad builder I am.

I put the device inside the pelican case and close the lid. I place it on my spaceship and launch into space.

I’m reminded to upload my data. I upload my data.