Lego Spectrometer
activity:lego-spectrometer

This is the latest version of Public Lab's DIY Desktop Spectrometry Kit -- the Lego Spectrometer. It addresses issues of rigidity, sourcing, modularity, and image quality over previous versions. We've been making and distributing [Do-It-Yourself spectrometers](/w//spectrometry) since 2011, and have been through [4 major kit versions](http://store.publiclab.org/collections/spectrometry) and hundreds of different community contributed modifications, new versions, changes, and more. ## Get a kit This is an open source kit, so you can just build your own -- but to **order parts for a kit**, visit the Public Lab Store: ## Design goals Over the years, we've identified a few really critical improvements that have been tough to solve: * rigidity * easy to source parts * modularity - working together * image quality Our mission is to make it **easier, cheaper, and more accessible to do environmental monitoring**, and to do that as an open source, collaborative community. And of course part of that is cost -- while people build upon our kits with more expensive options and upgrades, we want the basic kit to be extremely affordable. ## Quick start [notes:grid:lego-quickstart] ## Questions [questions:lego-spectrometer] ## Building your Lego Spectrometer [activities:lego-spectrometer] ## Spectrometry activities [activities:spectrometry-sampling] **** ## Spectrometer calibration [activities:spectrometry-calibration] **** [![tinkercad.png](https://publiclab.org/system/images/photos/000/022/935/large/tinkercad.png)](https://publiclab.org/system/images/photos/000/022/935/original/tinkercad.png) _Tinkercad model, below_ ## Parts ### 3D models * Tinkercad: https://tinkercad.com/things/43IqCTHE7Iz * Thingiverse: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2711528 ### 3D brick models Lots of great brick models are available here: https://printabrick.org/ and on http://thingiverse.com * assorted standard bricks: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2626413 * holey bricks: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1095326 * sloped brick: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:527185 * corner L brick: https://printabrick.org/bricks/2357 * brick w/ peg: https://printabrick.org/bricks/2458 (I used this instead of a 1x2 hole brick + a friction peg, because I couldn't find a model for the brick) Brick dimensions are nicely described in this diagram from Wikipedia: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Lego_dimensions.svg Print files for the black cardstock insert can be [found here](https://publiclab.org/notes/abdul/10-19-2016/foldable-paper-spectrometer-instructions). ...


Author Comment Last activity Moderation
laurel_mire "I did this! " | Read more » over 2 years ago
bhamster "I did this! " | Read more » almost 3 years ago
ananyo2012 "Warm water with soap just worked fine for me. " | Read more » over 4 years ago
ananyo2012 "Duct tape or plastic tape works well for removing the aluminium coating. But just be careful that the adhesive from the tape doesn't stick to the p..." | Read more » over 4 years ago
jenjimah " Hi Warren, Sure I'd be happy to try to add that in, it's only 2 files that need to be updated after all. However before that, there are a few thin..." | Read more » almost 5 years ago
warren " This is great! Indeed, this is a good approach, although I found that not all computers could use an internet gadget either without drivers, it's ..." | Read more » almost 5 years ago
jenjimah "I did this! Hardware: Raspberry Pi Zero W Software: Raspbian Stretch Lite, Windows 10 (on PC) Connection: USB configured as ethernet device; SSH i..." | Read more » almost 5 years ago
jenjimah " Thanks for the link! I also wasn't able to use the wifi method of connecting so I also connected over usb. I had to follow the whole tutorial from..." | Read more » almost 5 years ago
warren "This is really great feedback, and excellent for others looking to assemble the kit. Great work, and thanks for sharing, Carl! On Thu, Oct 11, 201..." | Read more » over 5 years ago
warren "These are great questions!!! I think DVDs are consistent but have no evidence to support it. I do think they're close enough for your spacer idea t..." | Read more » over 5 years ago
carlcrott "More questions: 1) Are DVD diffraction angles consistent? Could a spacer be designed that would correctly orient the camera with precision + repea..." | Read more » over 5 years ago
aga "Are there any cut out templates for the card papers used in this design? " | Read more » over 5 years ago
happywheelsgame "http://happy-wheelsgames.com Hope that the site will be on top, to get more players and help people enjoy after the days tired. " | Read more » over 5 years ago
carlcrott "@warren I did a few things differently: I opened up the webcam + stripped it of its black plastic housing I left the DVD in the freezer overnigh..." | Read more » over 5 years ago
warren "Hi! Sorry u had trouble... We've found that some DVDs (even in the same batch) are much harder than others for reasons we don't understand. Did you..." | Read more » over 5 years ago
carlcrott "Prepping the DVD is a HUGE pain. Tried: Xacto knives Duct tape ( works but leaves residue ) Sticking it in the freezer Super glue doesn't work. T..." | Read more » over 5 years ago
warren "I think the best method I've seen is to actually assemble it and loosely attach the cover. Then see where the spectrum falls on the screen. You can..." | Read more » over 5 years ago
khov "Does anyone have some helpful advice on how to make sure the angles are right? I am using a usb camera, which means I had to add an aditional layer..." | Read more » over 5 years ago
khov "Hey! Before you tape the bit of DVD into your spectomoter, make sure that you soak the purple dye out and avoid leaving fingerprints. Here is a hel..." | Read more » over 5 years ago
jaksch "Hi spectrometrists :) I've just ordered the Lego-parts and I'm going through the instructions now. I don't really follow the step: "Tape or glue ..." | Read more » over 5 years ago
warren "Glad to hear it. I've noted that not all WiFi networks work, and sometimes trying on a different one (like the one I broadcast from my phone) works..." | Read more » over 5 years ago
Aleksi12358 "I managed to connect with usb. Now I will try to get camera to work and calibrate my spectrometer. I followed this: https://learn.adafruit.com/turn..." | Read more » over 5 years ago
Aleksi12358 "I have problem with this. I cannot get my raspberry pi to connect to my wifi router. I have tried different thing in wpa_supplicant file that I fou..." | Read more » over 5 years ago
cedarlodge "@lach_myers You are correct, the interface needs to be displayed through the HDMI lead. Currently the code is still in development so it does need ..." | Read more » almost 6 years ago