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](https://publiclab.org/notes/partsandcrafts/10-26-2017/making-a-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](http://partsandcrafts.org). The goals of the project are: 1. offer a very easy starting point for DIY microscopy 2. act as a stepping-stone to more advanced DIY microscopes 3. be as affordable and simple as possible while still providing great microscopic images 4. be good enough to view 2-5 micron size particles (see [sample images below](#Sample+images)) ##About the parts ### General parts list * a lens (objective) * a [Raspberry Pi](/tag/raspberry-pi) * a [Raspberry Pi camera](/pi-camera) * a light source * a rigid stage to connect these all together ###Example parts list for building a Basic Microscope: * [Raspberry Pi camera](https://www.amazon.com/SainSmart-Camera-Module-Webcam-Raspberry/dp/B00FGKYHXA/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1516378086&sr=1-1-spons&keywords=raspberry+pi+camera&psc=1) * [Raspberry Pi Zero W](https://www.amazon.com/CanaKit-Raspberry-Wireless-Starter-Official/dp/B06XJQV162/) * [a micro SD card](https://www.amazon.com/SanDisk-MicroSDHC-SDSDQM-B35A-Without-Adapter/dp/B004ZIENBA/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8) * [a USB light](https://www.amazon.com/I-MU-Flexible-Gooseneck-Brightness-Gray-White/dp/B071Y3P8ZC/) * [a lens (objective x40)](http://www.amscope.com/40x-achromatic-microscope-objective.html) * [a hackteria microscope stage](https://publiclab.org/notes/partsandcrafts/01-22-2018/building-the-microscope-stage) (with modifications from Parts and Crafts!) * [a 3D printed objective adapter](https://github.com/rwb27/openflexure_microscope/blob/master/stl/optics_picam2_rms.stl) * the bolts to hold it together Extras to help you get started: * [Microscope slides](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008JFRP1K/ref=od_aui_detailpages00?ie=UTF8&psc=1) * [A microscope stage calibration slide](http://www.amscope.com/microscope-stage-calibration-slide-for-usb-camera-0-01mm-stage-micrometer.html) * [Microscope Immersion Oil](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007PD4IZS/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=A35BV4NHHC5J5C&psc=1) * Rubberbands * A magnet **** ## Getting started Start with the [Overview activity, here](/notes/partsandcrafts/11-26-2017/building-a-raspberry-pi-microscope). Then see [the activities below](#Activities) for each step in detail. _Basic Prototyping Kit now available for sale in the [Public Lab store](https://publiclab.myshopify.com/collections/under-development/products/basic-microscope-prototyping-kit-preorder?variant=7861722578972)!_ **** ## Questions [questions:basic-microscope]  ## Activities [activities:basic-microscope] ## 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. [questions:basic-microscope-challenge] **** ## People Folks involved in getting this project started include: [people:group:partsandcrafts] **** ## Sample images [](/system/images/photos/000/022/598/original/sample_1.jpg) [](/system/images/photos/000/022/597/original/sample_3.jpg) ...
| Author | Comment | Last activity | Moderation | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 » | about 5 years ago | |||
| warren | " Here's the 3d model for the adapter for the alternative "wider flange" webcams -- @Bronwen : https://github.com/publiclab/community-microscope/bl..." | Read more » | over 5 years ago | |||
| warren | ":-) good to know!!! We're looking for slightly better webcams now too. We found this one is pretty nice, and we are getting them for about $30, al..." | Read more » | almost 6 years ago | |||
| shanlter | "Thanks @warren, finally I bought at taobao with the price of 1.7USD each. I think you have a pretty good price for US! " | Read more » | almost 6 years ago | |||
| warren | "Hi! It's this one or one very like it! Awesome! " | Read more » | almost 6 years ago | |||
| shanlter | "Hi Jeff, do you have the specifications of the webcam? I found several cameras looked like this on Taobao, with variety prices. not sure which to b..." | Read more » | almost 6 years ago | |||
| warren | "Final note as we prepare a new activity for Raspberry Pi kits: you need to remove the lens from the Pi camera, which is a bit tough. We've loosened..." | Read more » | almost 6 years ago | |||
| warren | "I updated this with a new photo of the improved webcams, which means you can skip the inner foam tape step since the circuit board can unscrew and ..." | Read more » | almost 6 years ago | |||
| warren | "OK, we've finally gotten some good photos of the "basic kit" version of the Community Microscope (Kickstarter link) and how to assemble it. This is..." | Read more » | almost 6 years ago | |||
| warren | "Here is the adapter! We're making some on a lasercutter and some on a 3d printer, but it's a /very/ simple part -- the tough part for us is getting..." | Read more » | almost 6 years ago | |||
| warren | "For Early Bird and Intro kits, we ultimately got a slightly different model of webcam -- it has a retracting cable, and an extra screw when compare..." | Read more » | almost 6 years ago | |||
| warren | "For folks starting to connect microscope objective lenses to their microscopes as part of the Community Microscope Kit, we'll post some photos soon..." | Read more » | almost 6 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 » | about 6 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 » | about 6 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 » | about 6 years ago | |||
| danbeavers | "I noticed the same problem that jiteovien noticed but my solution was to use a popsicle stick under the Coroplast and placing the rubber band over ..." | Read more » | about 6 years ago | |||
| jiteovien | "Hello! I noticed when constructing the microscope that the usage of rubber bands instead of springs may cause the Coroplast material to bend and co..." | Read more » | about 6 years ago | |||
| SarahC | "Remember - you're buying an OIL objective lens. This means it's been designed and built to use oil in contact with the lens and the cover-slip of ..." | Read more » | about 6 years ago | |||
| cfastie | "Whoops, I just noticed this. I will try to print the parts and let you know how it works. Sorry for the delay. " | Read more » | about 6 years ago | |||
| warren | "Sorry to detail here, you can get in touch via email if you like or repost your address if you want - I just wanted to be sure you didn't inadverte..." | Read more » | about 6 years ago | |||
| warren | "You may also be able to use any WebRTC camera app - Infragram is just one of them. Try https://pixlcore.com/demos/webcamjs/demos/large.html (or ht..." | Read more » | about 6 years ago | |||
| Bronwen | "Thanks for catching that: I just updated the link on the page. I am having some difficulty getting my video feed to appear in the sandbox, am wonde..." | Read more » | about 6 years ago | |||
| MaggPi | "try https://infragram.org/sandbox/ " | Read more » | about 6 years ago | |||
| mrengy | "In this section: Connect your camera On a laptop, use Photo Booth for Macs, or you can go to http://infrgram.org/sandbox/ in most browsers to a..." | Read more » | about 6 years ago |