Difference between revisions of "DIY microscopy"

From Hackteria Wiki
Jump to: navigation, search
(1. Conversion of the webcam Part B: Maximal enlargement)
(DIY microscopy)
(36 intermediate revisions by 3 users not shown)
Line 28: Line 28:
  
 
[[File:amoebae dark.gif|frame|none|dark-field image sequence (4 sec) of an amoebae recorded on a modified webcam]][[File:amoebae bright.gif|frame|none|bright-field image sequence (4 sec) of an amoebae recorded on a modified webcam]]
 
[[File:amoebae dark.gif|frame|none|dark-field image sequence (4 sec) of an amoebae recorded on a modified webcam]][[File:amoebae bright.gif|frame|none|bright-field image sequence (4 sec) of an amoebae recorded on a modified webcam]]
 +
 +
'''Webinar on DIY microscopy English / Portuguese'''
 +
 +
https://www.rededepesquisadores.org/uso-de-microscopios-diy
 +
 +
{{#widget:Iframe
 +
|url=https://www.youtube.com/embed/KSJXjNZDA18
 +
|width=640
 +
|height=480
 +
|border=0
 +
}}
 +
  
 
====Video Examples====
 
====Video Examples====
Line 42: Line 54:
 
[[Laser-cut microscopy stages]] are here.
 
[[Laser-cut microscopy stages]] are here.
  
[[File:switchableMag_DIY-microscope_MaryWard.jpg|400px]]
+
[[File:switchableMag_DIY-microscope_MaryWard.jpg|300px]][[File:taiwanStyle_MicroscopeStage.jpg|300px]]
  
 
== Instructions ==
 
== Instructions ==
 +
[[File:hackteria-mikroskop-2012-137.JPG|right|400px|thumb|The Chapter about the DIY microscope can be downloaded [http://hackteria.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/hm3-hackteria-pages.pdf here] and available now with Chinese translation included! Thanks to I-Chern Lai and [http://dimensionplus.co/ Dimension+]! [http://hackteria.org/wiki/images/2/27/HomeMadeChinese-hackteria-DIYmicroscope.pdf Download Chinese]]]
 +
=== Translations ===
 +
 +
Thanks for helping us translating this instruction. If you don't have an account on this wiki, contact [mailto:marc@dusseiller.ch dusjagr].
 +
 +
[[DIY Mikroskop Anleitung (Deutsch)]]
 +
 +
[[DIY Microscopy Instruction (Chinese)]]
 +
 +
[[DIY Microscopy Instruction (Portuguese)]]
 +
 +
[[DIY Microscopy Instruction (Spanish)]]
 +
 +
[[DIY Microscopy Instruction (Italian)]]
 +
 +
[[DIY Microscopy Instruction (Bahasa Indonesia)]]
 +
 +
[[DIY Microscopy Instruction (French)]]
 +
 +
[[DIY Microscopy Instruction (Japanese)]]
 +
 +
[[DIY Microscopy Instruction (български)]]
 +
 +
[[DIY Microscopy Instruction (Finnish)]]
  
In der Arbeit DIY MICROSCOPE wird eine einfache Webcam in ein Mikroskop umgebaut. Die Webcam lässt sich mit wenigen Handgriffen umbauen. Die Elektronik bleibt dabei unverändert, modifiziert wird lediglich die Position der Linse. Eine solide Plattform erlaubt es, die kleinen Untersuchungsobjekte zu fixieren und fein zu fokussieren. Die Objekte werden mit einer Leuchtdiode (LED) angestrahlt.
+
[[DIY Microscopy Instruction (Slovenian)]]
  
Das DIY MICROSCOPE besteht aus drei Teilen,
+
[[DIY Microscopy Instruction (Hindi)]]
die in dieser Reihenfolge montiert werden:
 
* Umgebaute Webcam
 
* Stabile Plattform für die Beobachtung
 
* Beleuchtung mit einer Leuchtdiode (LED)
 
  
Work with the DIY MICROSCOPE includes converting an ordinary webcam into a microscope. The webcam’s conversion can be quickly
+
[[DIY Microscopy Instruction (Serbian)]]
 +
 
 +
[[DIY Microscopy Instruction (whadever language)]]
 +
 
 +
=== 0. Introduction and Materials ===
 +
 
 +
Making the DIY MICROSCOPE includes converting an ordinary webcam into a microscope. The webcam’s conversion can be quickly
 
effected manually. The electronics remains unaltered, only the position of the lens is changed. A solid platform enables fixing and
 
effected manually. The electronics remains unaltered, only the position of the lens is changed. A solid platform enables fixing and
 
accurately focusing the tiny study objects. The objects are illuminated with a light-emitting diode (LED).
 
accurately focusing the tiny study objects. The objects are illuminated with a light-emitting diode (LED).
Line 64: Line 102:
 
* Illumination with a light-emitting diode (LED)
 
* Illumination with a light-emitting diode (LED)
  
=== 1. Der Umbau der Webcam Teil A: Niedrige Vergrösserung ===
+
=== Parts/Material List ===
 +
[[File:DIY-Microscope_Instructions_Materials.png|thumb|400px]]
 +
'''Basics'''
 +
* 1 webcam
 +
* Cardboard (thick) / wood, 20 x 30 cm
 +
* Foamboard, 20 x 30 cm
 +
* M4 adjustable screw, approx. 15 cm long, with fitting screw nuts
 +
* Duct tape
 +
* Blu-Tack adhesive
 +
* Hot glue
 +
* Rubberbands
  
[[File:Step_1_get_stuff.jpg|800px]]
+
'''Tools'''
 +
* Cutter / sharp knife
 +
* Screwdriver, small
 +
* Hotglue gun
 +
* (optional) Soldering iron
  
=== 1. Conversion of the webcam Part A: Small enlargement ===
+
'''Optional external LED light source'''
 +
* 1 switch
 +
* 1 white light-emitting diode (LED)
 +
* 1 battery (9V)
 +
* 1 wired battery connection
 +
* 1 resistor (1 k Ω )
 +
* 1 potentiometer (20 k Ω )
 +
* 30 cm insulated wire
 +
* Garden wire
  
*Eine Auswahl von handelsüblichen Webcams. Am besten eignen sich Modelle, bei denen der Fokus durch Drehen an der Linse manuell eingestellt werden kann. Es hilft nur Ausprobieren.
+
'''Microscopy and Micro-Hunting equipment'''
 +
* Some transparent plastic cups
 +
* Glass slides
 +
* Petri dishes, made of plastic or glass
 +
* Disposable pipettes
 +
* Waterproof pen
 +
* Small chrome steel spoon
 +
* Tweezers
 +
* Sealable plastic containers for samples
  
*Vor der Modifikation machen wir einen Test. Dafür wird die Webcam mit dem Computer verbunden. Meist muss auch eine Treibersoftware installiert werden. Webcams funktionieren mit Windows, Mac oder Linux.
+
=== 1. Conversion of the webcam Part A: Small enlargement ===
 +
[[File:Step_1_get_stuff.jpg|800px]]
  
 
*A selection of standard webcams. Best suited are models allowing for manual adjustment of focus by turning the ring on the lens. The only solution is by trial and error.
 
*A selection of standard webcams. Best suited are models allowing for manual adjustment of focus by turning the ring on the lens. The only solution is by trial and error.
Line 79: Line 148:
  
 
[[File:Step_2_screw_lens_outwards.jpg|800px]]
 
[[File:Step_2_screw_lens_outwards.jpg|800px]]
 
* Bereits so lässt sich die Webcam nutzen, um kleine Objekte von Nahem anzusehen: Die Linse etwas herausschrauben und ganz nah ans Objekt halten. Licht kommt von einer Taschenlampe.
 
 
* Richtet man die Webcam nun auf kleine Objekte, so erlebt man eine Überraschung: Auch ohne Modifikationen sieht man damit Dinge, die dem blossen Auge verborgen bleiben.
 
  
 
* Already with this configuration the webcam can be used to inspect objects up close. You only need to screw out the lens a little and move closer to the object. A pocket lamp improves lighting conditions.
 
* Already with this configuration the webcam can be used to inspect objects up close. You only need to screw out the lens a little and move closer to the object. A pocket lamp improves lighting conditions.
Line 88: Line 153:
 
* Pointing the webcam on tiny objects produces surprising effects: Even without modifications one begins to see things hidden to the naked eye.
 
* Pointing the webcam on tiny objects produces surprising effects: Even without modifications one begins to see things hidden to the naked eye.
  
 
+
=== 1. Conversion of the webcam Part B: Maximal enlargement ===
 
 
=== 1. Der Umbau der Webcam Teil B: Maximale Vergrösserung ===
 
 
 
 
[[File:Step_3_invert_lens.jpg|800px]]
 
[[File:Step_3_invert_lens.jpg|800px]]
 
=== 1. Conversion of the webcam Part B: Maximal enlargement ===
 
 
* Nun machen wir uns daran, die Webcam zu demontieren. Die Schrauben werden gelöst. Teilweise sind solche Schrauben unter Etiketten oder Gummikappen versteckt. Mit einem soliden Instrument – in diesem Fall dem Schraubenzieher eines Schweizer Taschenmessers – wird die Abdeckung der Webcam entfernt.
 
 
* Das Innenleben des Geräts wird sichtbar: Es besteht aus einer Optik und einer elektronischen Schaltung. Die Leuchtdioden (LEDs) brauchen wir nicht. Wir konstruieren später eine eigene Beleuchtung, können aber diese LEDs dazu gebrauchen, abschneiden und Verlängerungskabel anlöten
 
 
* Die Optik ist teilweise festgeklebt. Durch vorsichtiges Drehen lösen wir sie von der Elektronik. Der äussere Ring der Optik (rechts im Bild) benutzen wir später nicht mehr. Er dient nur der Verzierung.
 
 
* Mit einem kräftigen Seitenschneider durch trennen wir das Plastikgehäuse. Nun lässt sich die Elektronik samt allen Drähten und dem USB-Kabel vom Gehäuse lösen.
 
 
* Das Innenleben der Webcam: Links im Bild ist das integrierte Mikrofon zu sehen, das für unser Projekt aber nicht benötigt wird.
 
 
* Nun setzen wir die Optik umgekehrt auf die Fassung. Sie lässt sich nicht mehr einschrauben und muss deshalb fixiert werden. Mit einem Stück Isolierband wird die Optik fixiert.
 
 
* Für einen Test verbinden wir die modifizierte Webcam mit dem Computer und richten die Linse auf den Bildschirm. So werden die einzelnen RGB-Pixel des Bildschirms sichtbar.
 
  
 
* Now we begin dismantling the webcam. The screws are removed. Partly such screws are hidden beneath labels or rubber caps. With a solid tool – in this case the screwdriver of a Swiss Army knife – the webcam ’s cover is removed.
 
* Now we begin dismantling the webcam. The screws are removed. Partly such screws are hidden beneath labels or rubber caps. With a solid tool – in this case the screwdriver of a Swiss Army knife – the webcam ’s cover is removed.
 
 
* The appliance ’s interior can now be seen: it consists of optics and an electronic switch. We can do without the light-emitting diodes (LEDs). We shall later construct our own light.
 
* The appliance ’s interior can now be seen: it consists of optics and an electronic switch. We can do without the light-emitting diodes (LEDs). We shall later construct our own light.
 
 
* The optics is partially glued on. By careful twisting we can detach it from the electronics. The optics’ outer ring (at the right of the picture) will no longer be used later. It only serves as decoration.
 
* The optics is partially glued on. By careful twisting we can detach it from the electronics. The optics’ outer ring (at the right of the picture) will no longer be used later. It only serves as decoration.
 
 
* With the use of a strong side cutter we cut through the plastic casing. Now the electronics including all wires and the USB cable can be removed from the casing.
 
* With the use of a strong side cutter we cut through the plastic casing. Now the electronics including all wires and the USB cable can be removed from the casing.
 
 
* The webcam’s interior: on the left side of the picture we can see the internal microphone, which, however, is not needed for our project.
 
* The webcam’s interior: on the left side of the picture we can see the internal microphone, which, however, is not needed for our project.
 
 
* Now we place the optics upside down on the fitting. It can no longer be screwed on and must therefore be firmly secured. The optics is attached with a piece of duct tape.
 
* Now we place the optics upside down on the fitting. It can no longer be screwed on and must therefore be firmly secured. The optics is attached with a piece of duct tape.
 
 
* To test the equipment we connect the modified webcam with the computer and point the lens towards the screen. Now the individual
 
* To test the equipment we connect the modified webcam with the computer and point the lens towards the screen. Now the individual
 
RGB pixels on screen become visible.
 
RGB pixels on screen become visible.
  
=== 2. Der Bau der Plattform ===
 
 
=== 2. Construction of the platform ===
 
=== 2. Construction of the platform ===
 
 
[[File:Step_4_make_stage.jpg|800px]]
 
[[File:Step_4_make_stage.jpg|800px]]
 
* Mit kleinen Klumpen der Klebemasse BluTack fixieren wir die Webcam auf einem etwa 15 x 15 cm grossen Stock solider Pappe.
 
  
 
* Using small lumps of Blu-Tack adhesive, the webcam is attached to a solid pasteboard of about 15 x 15 cm.
 
* Using small lumps of Blu-Tack adhesive, the webcam is attached to a solid pasteboard of about 15 x 15 cm.
 
* Die Seitenwand der Plattform aus Modellbaupappe. Mit dem Bleistift zeichnen wir die Höhe der Linse ein und schneiden die Pappe
 
dort ab. Geklebt wird mit Heissleim.
 
 
 
* The platform’s side wall consisting of scale model cardboard. With a pencil we draw the height of the lens on it and cut off the cardboard along that line. We use hot glue for pasting.
 
* The platform’s side wall consisting of scale model cardboard. With a pencil we draw the height of the lens on it and cut off the cardboard along that line. We use hot glue for pasting.
 
* Mit einem Teppichmesser schneiden wir eine rechteckige Öffnung in ein weiteres Stück Modellbaupappe. Auch dieses Stück wird mit
 
Heissleim angeklebt.
 
 
 
* Using a carpet cutter, we cut a rectangular opening into another piece of scale model cardboard. This piece too is attached with hot glue.
 
* Using a carpet cutter, we cut a rectangular opening into another piece of scale model cardboard. This piece too is attached with hot glue.
  
 
[[File:Step_5_adjustable_focus.jpg|800px]]
 
[[File:Step_5_adjustable_focus.jpg|800px]]
 
* Für die Stellschraube braucht es ein Loch. Ganz oben fixieren wir die Mutter mit einem kleinen Tropfen Heissleim. Danach setzen
 
wir die Stellschraube ein. Sie muss den unteren Aufbau erreichen.
 
  
 
* The adjustable screw requires a hole. We attach the screw nut right at the top with a small drop of hot glue. Then we insert the adjustable screw. It must reach down to the lower platform.
 
* The adjustable screw requires a hole. We attach the screw nut right at the top with a small drop of hot glue. Then we insert the adjustable screw. It must reach down to the lower platform.
 
* Mit Gummibändern erhält die Plattform etwas mehr Festigkeit. Mit der Schraube lässt sich das Modellbaubrett nun um wenige Millimeter auf und ab bewegen.
 
 
 
* Rubber bands provide more stability to the platform. With the screw the scale model board can now be moved up and down by a few millimeters.
 
* Rubber bands provide more stability to the platform. With the screw the scale model board can now be moved up and down by a few millimeters.
  
=== 3. Die Lichtquelle ===
 
 
=== 3. The light source ===
 
=== 3. The light source ===
 
[[File:Step_6_add_ligthing.jpg|800px]]
 
[[File:Step_6_add_ligthing.jpg|800px]]
  
=== Hunting for microorganisms and using the Microscope ===
+
* Our microscope also has a light source in the form of a light-emitting diode (LED). The lighting can be easily produced by oneself.
 +
* In this easy way, the wires can be twisted together. But it is safer if they are solded on.
 +
* The centimeters long feed of our light source is wrapped with garden wire. The wire thus becomes pliable and later can be attached in any position.
 +
* The light source, potentiometer and battery are attached to our construction with hot glue. Our DIY MICROSCOPE is ready for use.
 +
 
 +
=== 3.B Hacking the LEDs from the Webcam (to be documented) ===
 +
 
 +
* Coming soon
 +
 
 +
=== 4. Using the Microscope and Hunting for Microorganisms ===
 
[[File:Step_7_go_hunting.jpg|800px]]
 
[[File:Step_7_go_hunting.jpg|800px]]
 +
 +
* The USB cable of the converted webcam is connected to the computer. Now we can begin with our examinations.
 +
* The study objects are placed on a glass slide and can be shifted by hand. The microscope’s focus is regulated by the adjustable screw.
 +
* As with a professional microscope, with our DIY tool we are able to take electronic photos and even films. Photos and films are digitally available, can be further processed and of course be easily published on the Internet.
  
 
== The Stage ==
 
== The Stage ==
Line 167: Line 201:
  
 
More info about stage designs and laser-cutting files are on [[Laser-cut microscopy stages]] are here.
 
More info about stage designs and laser-cutting files are on [[Laser-cut microscopy stages]] are here.
 +
 +
== Other Instructions ==
 +
 +
* Z-servo control of Focus: http://www.instructables.com/id/DIY-Microscope/?ALLSTEPS
  
 
==Different samples ==
 
==Different samples ==
Line 260: Line 298:
 
For savers:
 
For savers:
 
A cheap solution is a standard logitech webcam, which can be bought for about 25.- SFr. --> videos(500x600), pics (3MPixel)
 
A cheap solution is a standard logitech webcam, which can be bought for about 25.- SFr. --> videos(500x600), pics (3MPixel)
 +
 +
 +
 +
== Makerversity DIY version ==
 +
[[File:Selection_906.png|thumb|240px]]
 +
[[:File:Makerversity-DIY_Make-Your-Own-Microscope.zip]]
  
 
== Links on Microscopy ==
 
== Links on Microscopy ==
 +
 
=== Historical ===
 
=== Historical ===
 
* [http://microbiology.suite101.com/article.cfm/anthony_van_leeuwenhoek Anthony van Leeuwenhoek Self-made Scientist, Father of Microbiology & Microscope Inventor]
 
* [http://microbiology.suite101.com/article.cfm/anthony_van_leeuwenhoek Anthony van Leeuwenhoek Self-made Scientist, Father of Microbiology & Microscope Inventor]

Revision as of 15:34, 14 November 2018

Nice Instruction

The Chapter about the DIY microscope can be downloaded here.

Home Made Bio Electronic Arts Do-it-yourself: Microscopes, Sensors, Sonifications - Christoph Merian Verlag / Migros-Kulturprozent: Dominik Landwehr, Verena Kuni (Ed.), 2013

http://hackteria.org/2013/05/23/home-made-bio-electronic-arts-published/

The Chapter about the DIY microscope can be downloaded here.

DIY microscopy chinese.png

And available now with Chinese translation included! Thanks to I-Chern Lai and Dimension+! Download it here

See the other chapters of Book: Homemade Biological Art

DIY microscopy

Arrangement of microscope.jpg

Introduction

To use a simple usb webcam as a microscope, only a few modifications are needed.

Diy microscope steps.jpg

In short, a small hack to the optics of a standard webcam with an adjustable focus-lens, allows to create video data, with a magnification of around 100 to 400x (depending on the model) at a working distance of a few mm. The highest magnifications can be achieved by inverting (putting upside down) the lens. Addition of good lighting by the use of leds allows to create images using a bright-field method (shine through the stuff) or dark field method (look at the reflections and scattering).

dark-field image sequence (4 sec) of an amoebae recorded on a modified webcam
bright-field image sequence (4 sec) of an amoebae recorded on a modified webcam

Webinar on DIY microscopy English / Portuguese

https://www.rededepesquisadores.org/uso-de-microscopios-diy


Video Examples

Movie recorded with modified webcams: Hackteria in Berlin

see more on wetPONG

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-BgTDjYrIV8

Laser-cut microscopy stages

Laser-cut microscopy stages are here.

SwitchableMag DIY-microscope MaryWard.jpgTaiwanStyle MicroscopeStage.jpg

Instructions

The Chapter about the DIY microscope can be downloaded here and available now with Chinese translation included! Thanks to I-Chern Lai and Dimension+! Download Chinese

Translations

Thanks for helping us translating this instruction. If you don't have an account on this wiki, contact dusjagr.

DIY Mikroskop Anleitung (Deutsch)

DIY Microscopy Instruction (Chinese)

DIY Microscopy Instruction (Portuguese)

DIY Microscopy Instruction (Spanish)

DIY Microscopy Instruction (Italian)

DIY Microscopy Instruction (Bahasa Indonesia)

DIY Microscopy Instruction (French)

DIY Microscopy Instruction (Japanese)

DIY Microscopy Instruction (български)

DIY Microscopy Instruction (Finnish)

DIY Microscopy Instruction (Slovenian)

DIY Microscopy Instruction (Hindi)

DIY Microscopy Instruction (Serbian)

DIY Microscopy Instruction (whadever language)

0. Introduction and Materials

Making the DIY MICROSCOPE includes converting an ordinary webcam into a microscope. The webcam’s conversion can be quickly effected manually. The electronics remains unaltered, only the position of the lens is changed. A solid platform enables fixing and accurately focusing the tiny study objects. The objects are illuminated with a light-emitting diode (LED).

The DIY MICROSCOPE consists of three components, assembled in this sequence:

  • Converted webcam
  • Stable platform for observation
  • Illumination with a light-emitting diode (LED)

Parts/Material List

DIY-Microscope Instructions Materials.png

Basics

  • 1 webcam
  • Cardboard (thick) / wood, 20 x 30 cm
  • Foamboard, 20 x 30 cm
  • M4 adjustable screw, approx. 15 cm long, with fitting screw nuts
  • Duct tape
  • Blu-Tack adhesive
  • Hot glue
  • Rubberbands

Tools

  • Cutter / sharp knife
  • Screwdriver, small
  • Hotglue gun
  • (optional) Soldering iron

Optional external LED light source

  • 1 switch
  • 1 white light-emitting diode (LED)
  • 1 battery (9V)
  • 1 wired battery connection
  • 1 resistor (1 k Ω )
  • 1 potentiometer (20 k Ω )
  • 30 cm insulated wire
  • Garden wire

Microscopy and Micro-Hunting equipment

  • Some transparent plastic cups
  • Glass slides
  • Petri dishes, made of plastic or glass
  • Disposable pipettes
  • Waterproof pen
  • Small chrome steel spoon
  • Tweezers
  • Sealable plastic containers for samples

1. Conversion of the webcam Part A: Small enlargement

Step 1 get stuff.jpg

  • A selection of standard webcams. Best suited are models allowing for manual adjustment of focus by turning the ring on the lens. The only solution is by trial and error.
  • Before the camera is modified, it needs to be tested. For that it has to be connected to a computer, and additionally the necessary drivers have to be installed. Webcams run with Windows, Mac, or Linux.

Step 2 screw lens outwards.jpg

  • Already with this configuration the webcam can be used to inspect objects up close. You only need to screw out the lens a little and move closer to the object. A pocket lamp improves lighting conditions.
  • Pointing the webcam on tiny objects produces surprising effects: Even without modifications one begins to see things hidden to the naked eye.

1. Conversion of the webcam Part B: Maximal enlargement

Step 3 invert lens.jpg

  • Now we begin dismantling the webcam. The screws are removed. Partly such screws are hidden beneath labels or rubber caps. With a solid tool – in this case the screwdriver of a Swiss Army knife – the webcam ’s cover is removed.
  • The appliance ’s interior can now be seen: it consists of optics and an electronic switch. We can do without the light-emitting diodes (LEDs). We shall later construct our own light.
  • The optics is partially glued on. By careful twisting we can detach it from the electronics. The optics’ outer ring (at the right of the picture) will no longer be used later. It only serves as decoration.
  • With the use of a strong side cutter we cut through the plastic casing. Now the electronics including all wires and the USB cable can be removed from the casing.
  • The webcam’s interior: on the left side of the picture we can see the internal microphone, which, however, is not needed for our project.
  • Now we place the optics upside down on the fitting. It can no longer be screwed on and must therefore be firmly secured. The optics is attached with a piece of duct tape.
  • To test the equipment we connect the modified webcam with the computer and point the lens towards the screen. Now the individual

RGB pixels on screen become visible.

2. Construction of the platform

Step 4 make stage.jpg

  • Using small lumps of Blu-Tack adhesive, the webcam is attached to a solid pasteboard of about 15 x 15 cm.
  • The platform’s side wall consisting of scale model cardboard. With a pencil we draw the height of the lens on it and cut off the cardboard along that line. We use hot glue for pasting.
  • Using a carpet cutter, we cut a rectangular opening into another piece of scale model cardboard. This piece too is attached with hot glue.

Step 5 adjustable focus.jpg

  • The adjustable screw requires a hole. We attach the screw nut right at the top with a small drop of hot glue. Then we insert the adjustable screw. It must reach down to the lower platform.
  • Rubber bands provide more stability to the platform. With the screw the scale model board can now be moved up and down by a few millimeters.

3. The light source

Step 6 add ligthing.jpg

  • Our microscope also has a light source in the form of a light-emitting diode (LED). The lighting can be easily produced by oneself.
  • In this easy way, the wires can be twisted together. But it is safer if they are solded on.
  • The centimeters long feed of our light source is wrapped with garden wire. The wire thus becomes pliable and later can be attached in any position.
  • The light source, potentiometer and battery are attached to our construction with hot glue. Our DIY MICROSCOPE is ready for use.

3.B Hacking the LEDs from the Webcam (to be documented)

  • Coming soon

4. Using the Microscope and Hunting for Microorganisms

Step 7 go hunting.jpg

  • The USB cable of the converted webcam is connected to the computer. Now we can begin with our examinations.
  • The study objects are placed on a glass slide and can be shifted by hand. The microscope’s focus is regulated by the adjustable screw.
  • As with a professional microscope, with our DIY tool we are able to take electronic photos and even films. Photos and films are digitally available, can be further processed and of course be easily published on the Internet.

The Stage

Microscopes overview.jpg

More info about stage designs and laser-cutting files are on Laser-cut microscopy stages are here.

Other Instructions

Different samples

Webcam micro images.jpg

old stuff

Hacking the webcam

Step1:

Step1: get a standard webcam, make sure u got the right drivers for your OS

Step2

Step2: break it open. of course take care not to destroy anything

Step3

Step2: break it open. of course take care not to destroy anything

Step4

Step2: break it open. of course take care not to destroy anything

Step5

Step2: break it open. of course take care not to destroy anything

Step6

Step2: break it open. of course take care not to destroy anything

Step7

Step2: break it open. of course take care not to destroy anything

Further modifications

mounting the microscope

There are many ways to finally build the microscope itself. here are a few examples from the workshop hackteria & lab_hacking @ NK, Berlin.

Simple microscope setup

mounting

Fixed, massiv and stable setup

mounting

Silicone embedded setup

mounting

Tape and cardboard setup

mounting

Magnification and Field of View

See: fieldofview for more details.

after completing the hack with the lenses, the magnification can be increased upto a field of view of 0.7 mm.

InversedMagnification.jpg Nematode.jpg

Where to get them, and which models

Ebay webcams.png
Webcam easy hackable.png

Am besten auf ebay aus hongkong bestellen (5-10 CHF). Billige modelle eignen sich generell am besten. an sonsten in mediamarkt oder pearl vorbei schauen (15-20 CHF).

deal extreme

Booklet for printing and folding (for kids and only in german)

http://hackteria.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/Zine_empty_layout_nina2.pdf

File:Zine empty layout nina2.pdf

hacking a digital camera

Cam ani big.gif

some notes about DIY microscopy

For more enlargement, you can not only invert the lense but also put some (iron) rings between the lense and the "webcam" and fix it with duct tape. The more rings you put between the more light you will need that you can see something. 5mm works without problems, the light from 1-2 LEDs will suffice to see the things.

For savers: A cheap solution is a standard logitech webcam, which can be bought for about 25.- SFr. --> videos(500x600), pics (3MPixel)


Makerversity DIY version

Selection 906.png

File:Makerversity-DIY_Make-Your-Own-Microscope.zip

Links on Microscopy

Historical

General Resources

DIY Microscopy

Programming

Pure Data

Pd.png

pure data

Pd (aka Pure Data) is a real-time graphical programming environment for audio, video, and graphical processing. It is the third major branch of the family of patcher programming languages known as Max (Max/FTS, ISPW Max, Max/MSP, jMax, etc.) originally developed by Miller Puckette and company at IRCAM. The core of Pd is written and maintained by Miller Puckette and includes the work of many developers, making the whole package very much a community effort.


pd_microscope

Pd microscope.png

We have developed several patches for the pd_microscope

or see more here: New pd-microscope patch


Image Processing and Analysis

ImageJ

ImageJ.png

ImageJ

ImageJ is a public domain Java image processing program inspired by NIH Image for the Macintosh. It runs, either as an online applet or as a downloadable application, on any computer with a Java 1.4 or later virtual machine. Downloadable distributions are available for Windows, Mac OS, Mac OS X and Linux.


CCV

Ccv nui.jpg

CCV

Community Core Vision, CCV for short (aka tbeta), is a open source/cross-platform solution for computer vision and machine sensing. It takes an video input stream and outputs tracking data (e.g. coordinates and blob size) and events (e.g. finger down, moved and released) that are used in building multi-touch applications. CCV can interface with various web cameras and video devices as well as connect to various TUIO/OSC/XML enabled applications and supports many multi-touch lighting techniques including: FTIR, DI, DSI, and LLP with expansion planned for the future vision applications (custom modules/filters).

This project is developed and maintained by the NUI Group Community, We encourage you to get involved.

Webcam and Video

VideoLan

Videolan.png

VideoLan

VideoLAN is a project, run by volunteers, backed-up by a non-profit organisation, which produces free and open source software for multimedia, released under the GNU General Public License.


AMCap

Amcap.gif

AMCap

AMCap is a small yet fully functional video capture application compatible with Microsoft DirectShow.


macam

Macam.jpg

macam

macam is a driver for USB webcams on Mac OS X. It allows hundreds of USB webcams to be used by many Mac OS X video-aware applications. The aim is to support as many webcams as possible.


guvcview

Guvcview.png

GTK+ UVC Viewer

This project aims at providing a simple GTK interface for capturing and viewing video from devices supported by the linux UVC driver, although it should also work with any v4l2 compatible device.


ffmpeg FFMPEG

Command line converter of all video formats and all platforms. <a href="http://stephenjungels.com/jungels.net/articles/ffmpeg-howto.html">ffmpeg howto</a>