Is there anyplace where I could get a working old fashioned geiger counter fairly cheap (under $50)?
Don’t worry, I’m not planning on becoming the next radioactive boy scout or anything, just thought it would be a neat thing to own.
I occasionally see these in AS&S’s catalog, or on ebay.
But, beware - most older Geiger counters use a true Geiger-Mueller tube, with a very thing metal shell, and they are often collapsed due to atmospheric pressure, and replacement tubes are hard (or impossible) to find.
i’ve not seen any, nor have i looked for any, in a while. prices were much higher than you want as i recall.
Here are three. Maybe you can make one working one out of the parts.