I’ve just read an article on Tizen.org about Samsung and Intersoft Eurasia collaboration about a “personal radiation monitoring device DO-RA” sending data over Bluetooth 4.0 LE. But a visit to their website showed other models such as DO-RA-Q using a 3.5mm audio jack, and compatible with smartphone, and Windows & Linux computer. I could not find any of their devices for sale, so I searched for some alternatives, and I found FTLAB FSG-001 radiation counter on Aliexpress, Amazon and eBay selling between $30 and $40.

FTLAB FSG-001 Geiger counter specifications:

Radiation measurement of: gamma, X-rays

Measurement range – 0.1 to 200 μSv/h

Measurement error – <30% within a given deviation between

Dimensions – Φ10 x 30 mm (total length: 47mm with 3.5mm audio jack)

Weight – 6 grams

Operating temperature – 10 to 40 ℃

You’ll need to plug the dongle into your smartphone audio jack, and download FTLAB “SmartGeiger” app for Android or iOS.

If you want to check nuclear radiation you’ll then need to point to the object (e.g. food item like fish or vegetables) for at least 3 minutes, and they recommend 10 minutes for more accurate results. It’s supposed to work with any smartphone, but the company warn that measurements may vary slightly depending on the smartphone model.

Accuracy is unclear, but the eBay page shows a picture pitting a professional radiation counter against FTLAB FSG-01 and results are similar. A YouTube video also shows a quick demo of the system using an old compass with a radium infused dial.

