Countertop Spectrometer
This page documents assembly and use of the Public Lab Countertop Spectrometer -- a pre-assembled, pre-calibrated spectrometer with a built-in dimmable light and stage, based on the Desktop Spectrometry Kit, which was offered as a reward during the Public Lab DIY Spectrometry Kit Kickstarter
Although designs and ideas have evolved since the Countertop Spectrometer was developed, it is still a robust way to measure absorption in liquid samples.
Getting started
Setup
Although the spectrometer is assembled when shipped, you need to attach the arm to the base (it is detached for shipping) and bolt on the sample stage.
Stage: The stage is the piece of clear acrylic plastic in your box (it has a brown paper protective cover which you can peel off). Place the stage between the two black plastic clips on the spectrometer's arm. Using a screwdriver and your fingers, insert and tighten the bolts through both clips and the stage's matching holes.
Do NOT place the stage too low or the light may melt or burn it if left on high!
Retrieving your calibration
If you ordered this in the above-mentioned Kickstarter, your spectrometer was pre-calibrated at the "factory". To retrieve the calibration and begin taking calibrated data, follow these steps:
- First, register on this site, and log into SpectralWorkbench.org with your new username.
- Next, navigate to: https://spectralworkbench.org/lookup/
- Enter your calibration code, which is written on a round sticker on the bottom of your device.
Calibrations can potentially drift over time, but re-calibrating yourself is easy. You'll need a fluorescent light bulb, which you can put into your light socket (turn the dimmer all the way up). Then follow instructions here.
For more on usage, troubleshooting, and support, check out these pages: