Geiger Counter

The Geiger counter is an essential tool for surviving in the wasteland, allowing the user to monitor the ambient radiation and their own rad count.

Background
 A Geiger counter is a relatively simple tool, consisting of a Geiger-Müller tube connected to simple electronics. The tube contains an inert gas (helium, neon, or argon) at low pressure, which is subjected to a high voltage. The tube conducts an electrical charge for a brief moment when a particle or photon makes the gas conductive, which is amplified by the Townsend discharge effect, producing an easily measured detection pulse. This pulse is then interpreted by the onboard electronics, producing the final readout. The characteristic ticking is a common feature of counters, generated by the electronics for easy detection and monitoring of radiation. 

Wattz C-Radz Geiger counter


 A simple, rugged device manufactured by Wattz Electronics to detect the presence and strength of radiation fields. Includes a carrying handle and a modern, durable shell for increased portability and ease of use. It's battery life is displayed in the Interface bar's ammo meter. 

PIP-Boy Geiger counter
Later models of the PIP-Boy manufactured by RobCo Industries heavily miniaturized the Geiger counter, integrating it in the shell of the device.

Behind the scenes
As with most miscellaneous items, the Geiger counter was recreated for Fallout Tactics: Brotherhood of Steel, but never made it into the game.