Assemble the Arducam B0196 basic optics module

This section describes how to assemble an optics module consisting of an Arducam B0196 webcam and the lens from the camera. To create a microscope the wide angle lens is reversed and separated from the camera. This makes quite a good microscope objective with a field of view about 400μm across and a resolution of around 2μm.

Step 1: Print the lens spacer and camera platform

Using a RepRap-style printer, print the following parts using PLA filament.

• lens_spacer_arducam_b0196.stl - The lens gripper may require custom print settings - This must be printed in black!
• camera_platform_arducam_b0196.stl

Step 2: Visually inspect the lens spacer

Take the lens spacer and confirm that:

• It has been printed in black
• It is dust free (You can blow air through to clean it)
• The central shaft is not obstructed by strings of plastic.

Step 3: Push-fit the lens

• Work out which side of the Arducam B0196 camera lens used to be facing the camera sensor (This is the side with more lens visible).
• Place the lens on a clean surface with the side that was next to the camera sensor on the bottom.
• Push the lens spacer down onto the lens until the lens clicks into place. The lens should be flat in the holder and sticking out a little.

Step 4: Attach the Arducam camera

• Take the Arducam and the assembled lens spacer and fit them together.
• Place them together onto the camera platform. Make sure that the connector is above the channel in the side of the camera platform.
• Use four No 2 6.5mm self tapping screws to secure the three parts together using a #1 pozidrive screwdriver
• Take care to not over torque the screws.

Step 5: Attach the mounting screw and cable

• Take an M3 nut and push it into the nut trap from the top
• Take an M3x10 cap head screws and screw it into the nut.
• Only screw it in a couple of turns. About 5 mm of thread should still be visible.
• Attach the USB cable supplied with the camera.

Step 6: Mount the optics module in the microscope

(see mounting the basic optics module for more details of this method)

• Insert the complete optics module into the microscope body from below. It is a close fit and will need to be angled to get it through the gap between the body and the z-actuator.
• Fit the M3 screw head into the keyhole slot in the z-actuator .
• Insert a 2.5mm Ball-end Allen key through the teardrop shaped hole on the front of the microscope until it engages with the mounting screw.
• Slide the optics module up until the base of the camera platform is level with the base of the dovetail.
• Tighten the M3 screw with the Allen key

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