C8theGr8

The sensor doesn't detect radio waves. Waves have to be high-frequency (x-ray/gamma) to be detected by the Geiger counter. Radio waves are low frequency.

If you are a contest judge I would like to note that I could really use a 3D printer. I have a novel invention design for inexpensive x-ray generation that could use 3D printed parts. However, I am also a student and cannot afford a 3D printer at the moment.

No, I didn't have barium carbonate. As a student, it can be difficult to gain access to toxic chemicals for a personal project. :)Just a note, I wouldn't replace a real spectrometer with this one because it doesn't read specific wavelengths. If you don't need to, this is fine. If you could find a way to get it to do that, though, that would be awesome.

I am not sure what the max reading is. However, because the interface is a smart phone app it's probably not limited in the same way and I would guess that it can go up to however high you need. I see in your picture that yours says "nuclear radiation detector." The smart Geiger will detect x-ray radiation that is not nuclear as well (that's what I did). For $35 (on amazon) it may be worth testing and comparing if you use yours a lot.

Thank you! The distance between the diffraction grating and the vertical hole just depends on the box that you use. It shouldn't affect would see too much. You can't replace the diffraction grating with a webcam, because the diffraction grating is what splits the light into the rainbow-like emission spectrum. You can certainly find a way to attach/mount a webcam directly behind the diffraction grating slide, though, to capture any cool spectra you might see.

You are right. A convex glass vessel (bell jar) would be much safer. I have an instructable on building vacuum chambers.

Attention all,As a concerned Instructables member I have to say:1) are you aware that this setup will generate x-ray radiation? Someone who doesn't already know that could potentially be at risk by not taking precautions.2) this is NOT a nuclear fusion reactor. 20kV will generate x-rays when the electrons strike a target. X-rays are not nuclear fusion, and this would have to be seriously upscaled to get anywhere close.I know this because I built something very similar for the purpose of generating x-rays. It worked. I even used less voltage. I researched heavily beforehand and took safety precautions. I talked to qualified scientists and safety officials. Don't get me wrong, this is a very interesting instructable. But please, DO NOT MAKE ONE if you lack the background knowledge and wan...

Attention all,As a concerned Instructables member I have to say:1) are you aware that this setup will generate x-ray radiation? Someone who doesn't already know that could potentially be at risk by not taking precautions.2) this is NOT a nuclear fusion reactor. 20kV will generate x-rays when the electrons strike a target. X-rays are not nuclear fusion, and this would have to be seriously upscaled to get anywhere close.I know this because I built something very similar for the purpose of generating x-rays. It worked. I even used less voltage. I researched heavily beforehand and took safety precautions. I talked to qualified scientists and safety officials. Don't get me wrong, this is a very interesting instructable. But please, DO NOT MAKE ONE if you lack the background knowledge and want to stay safe. You can do this if you understand the science, method, risks and how to handle high-voltage electricity. I did all of this stuff and more as an inexperienced researcher, but I had counsel and guidance in the form of qualified professionals. I would hate to see someone get hurt out of inexperience trying to do this on their own.Apart from this, I find the title misleading. This is a plasma generator and potentially x-ray generator. Not a fusion reactor.There is not sufficient safety guidance in this instructable for handling high voltage or proper shielding. The jar used as a vacuum chamber is also unsafe. A high enough vacuum CAN NOT be made from any sealable jar. The author has not shared and could not share all the necessary background information and knowledge to you readers. Sincerely,a concerned Instructables member.p.s. If you want to detect x-rays, check out https://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-Use-a-Smart-Geiger/If you want to build vacuums, check out https://www.instructables.com/id/Build-a-Vacuum-Chamber/

Second question... exactly what are all the benefits of a premium membership? How many more classes (other than the free ones) are included with premium? How expensive is a premium membership?

How soon is a feature-worthy Instructable featured after publishing?

I loved these things as a kid :)

I certainly did! I liked to add silver-colored glitter. I did this as a home-schooler in elementary school in science.

Any questions are welcomed!

Incredible! Thanks for the link! :)

Great Idea!

Very impressive! I can't afford to build one, but i've been wanting to learn more about how they work. No better way to do that than know how they're built. Thanks! You should enter this in an instructables contest, you'd definitely win ;)Best of luck at the maker fairs!