Basic Microscope Kit
The Basic Microscope Kit is an introductory Do-It-Yourself microscope made from affordable and easy to find parts. It's based on the Hackteria microscope, the OpenFlexure Microscope, and @maxliboiron's work at http://CivicLaboratory.nl ( #13503 ), among other sources. (above image by @partsandcrafts)
Goals
This project was started as a collaboration between Public Lab and Parts & Crafts. The goals of the project are:
- offer a very easy starting point for DIY microscopy
- act as a stepping-stone to more advanced DIY microscopes
- be as affordable and simple as possible while still providing great microscopic images
- be good enough to view 2-5 micron size particles (see sample images below)
About the parts
General parts list
- a lens (objective)
- a Raspberry Pi
- a Raspberry Pi camera
- a light source
- a rigid stage to connect these all together
Example parts list for building a Basic Microscope:
- Raspberry Pi camera
- Raspberry Pi Zero W
- a micro SD card
- a USB light
- a lens (objective x40)
- a hackteria microscope stage (with modifications from Parts and Crafts!)
- a 3D printed objective adapter
- the bolts to hold it together
Extras to help you get started:
- Microscope slides
- A microscope stage calibration slide
- Microscope Immersion Oil
- Rubberbands
- A magnet
Getting started
Start with the Overview activity, here. Then see the activities below for each step in detail.
Basic Prototyping Kit now available for sale in the Public Lab store!
Questions
Activities
Activities should include a materials list, costs and a step-by-step guide to construction with photos. Learn what makes a good activity here.
Challenges
We're working to refine and improve DIY spectrometry on a number of fronts; here, take a look at the leading challenges we're hoping to solve, and post your own. For now, we're using the Q&A feature, so just click "Ask a question" to post your own challenge.
| Title | Author | Updated | Likes | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| What is an estimated cost for this project? | @pdhixenbaugh | over 4 years ago | 1 | 3 |
| What are different ways to collect respirable dust samples for analysis? | @warren | almost 7 years ago | 0 | 2 |
| How can we set up a Raspberry Pi camera as an ethernet USB device to avoid using WiFi | @warren | almost 7 years ago | 1 | 5 |
| What are some ways to collect dust or particulate samples for analysis? | @warren | almost 7 years ago | 1 | 4 |
People
Folks involved in getting this project started include:
| Username |
|---|
| partsandcrafts |
| kgradow1 |
| wmacfarl |
| bmela |
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Sample images
