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))

## 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)
* 

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)



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## 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.

_Kit coming soon from the [Public Lab store](http://store.publiclab.org)!_

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## Questions

[questions:basic-microscope]

![](https://publiclab.org/system/images/photos/000/022/864/medium/Screenshot_2017-12-08_at_5.12.19_PM.png)

## 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]

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## People

Folks involved in getting this project started include:

[people:group:partsandcrafts]

And @bmela! Not sure why she's not showing up here, but it's a bug!

## Sample images

[![](/system/images/photos/000/022/598/large/sample_1.jpg)](/system/images/photos/000/022/598/original/sample_1.jpg)
[![](/system/images/photos/000/022/597/large/sample_3.jpg)](/system/images/photos/000/022/597/original/sample_3.jpg)