Assemble the basic optics module
These are the instructions for the basic optics module, however high resolution optics will also work. When using high resolution optics, a 400mm Raspberry Pi ribbon cable or longer is preferable as the additional height of the Raspberry Pi Camera makes adjustments easier.
The imaging optics for this version of the microscope consist of the Raspberry Pi Camera 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.
For this section you will need:
Tools
- 1 #1 pozidrive screwdriver
- 1 Pi Camera lens tool - This should come with the pi camera
Printed Parts
Electronic Components
Mechanical Components
Step 1: Visually inspect the lens spacer
Take the lens spacer and confirm that:
- It has been printed in black (why?)
- It is dust free (You can blow air through to clean it)
- The central shaft is not obstructed by strings of plastic.
Step 2: Remove Pi Camera Lens
WARNING! The camera board is static sensitive.
- Before touching the Pi Camera touch a metal earthed object. If you own one, consider wearing and anti-static strap.
- Take the Pi Camera out of the package. Make sure to hold it only by the sides of the board.
- Take the protective film off the lens.
- Take the Pi Camera lens tool and place it over the lens
- Slowly unscrew the lens (About 4 full turns of the tool)
- Carefully lift off the lens.
- Save the lens and the camera, we use both this version of the microscope.
Push-fit the lens
- Work out which side of the lens used to be facing the camera sensor (This is the side with more lens visible)
- Place the lens over on the top of the lens spacer, with the side that was next to the camera sensor on top
- Push the lens into the lens spacer with pressure on the very edge of the lens.
Step 3: Attach the Pi Camera
- Take the Pi Camera and place it ontop of the pi camera platform.
- Place the lens spacer over the picamera
- 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 4: Attach the mounting screw
- 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
Step 5: Connect ribbon cable
- Take the Raspberry Pi ribbon cable (30cm)
- Pull the catch forward on the exposed Pi Camera connector
- Insert the ribbon cable with the contacts towards the board
- Close the catch on the connector
Step 6: Set the complete module aside
Set the compete optics module aside in a safe place.