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Features

Introducing the Safecast bGeigieZen

The Safecast bGeigieZen is built on over ten years of experience from our popular bGeigie Nano. Like the Nano, the Zen is compact, portable, and durable. We designed the Zen based on user requests for an easier-to-build device, and it offers better performance and more features.

Easier Assembly

  • Simplified Components: The Zen uses a solid-state main PCB board with most electronics pre-installed. This reduces the number of parts you need to assemble from 60 to just 20.
  • Less Soldering: There are fewer connections to solder compared to the Nano.
  • Quick Build Time: You can assemble the bGeigieZen in about one hour, while the Nano typically takes four to five hours.

Upgraded Features

  • Improved Parts: Since the original Nano was released in 2013, some components like the GPS unit, display, and Arduino FIO processor became hard to find. We replaced them with better alternatives.
  • M5Stack Integration: We chose the M5Stack for processing, control, and display because it has more memory and is easier to customize.
    • Better Display: The Zen features a larger, clearer 320 x 240 pixel color screen.
    • Enhanced Information: It can show more details, including QR codes that link to online data via your smartphone.
    • Easier Updates: Programming and firmware updates are simpler and use a standard USB-C connection.
  • Advanced GPS: The new GPS module offers better performance.
  • User-Friendly Battery: The battery is easy to remove and replace.

Additional Benefits

  • Wireless Connectivity: Built-in wireless allows you to switch the Zen to real-time mode, making it suitable for fixed monitoring stations.

Community-Driven Improvements The bGeigieZen is a result of valuable feedback from the Safecast community. We’re committed to continuously refining and enhancing the device based on your input.

 


bGeigieZen and bGeigie Nano compared:

bGeigie NanobgeigieZen
No. of Components6015
SensorLND-7317 2” pancake Geiger-MüllerLND-7317 2” pancake Geiger-Müller
GPSAdafruit Ultimate GPSBeitian BK-880Q
Battery2000mAh 3.7V 7.4Wh Li-Po3000 mAh 18650 LiPo (removeable)
Battery life20 hours
16 hours
ProcessorArduino FioM5StackCore2
DisplayAdafruit Monochrome 128x64 SPI OLEDM5Stack Core2 (integrated) 2” 320 x 240 Color
Onboard memory32kb flash, 2kb RAM16mb flash, 8mb RAM
Removable StorageMicroSDMicroSD
Data and firmware updates connectionFTDIOTA, Wi-Fi, USB-C
Power supplyMedcom iRover (HVPS) Safepulse (HVPS)
Wireless upload dataOptional BLEBee or bGeigiecastIntegrated
CasePelican 1010 micro-casePelican 1015 micro-case
Size14.9 x 10.3 x 5.4 cm (5.88 x 4.06 x 2.12 in)17 x 9.9 x 4.7 cm (6.68 x 3.88 x 1.86 in )
Weight440 grams
Assembly time needed4 hours30 minutes
Interface interaction 3 switches3 programmable buttons (Core1) and touch screen (Core2)