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ESP32 XIAO Sense-based microscope

More information can be found here https://github.com/openUC2/openUC2-SEEED-XIAO-Camera

HINT: The z-stage looks a little different now:

Introduction​

Welcome to our workshop on building a modular microscope! In this hands-on session, we will guide you through the process of assembling a simple microscope using a modular system. The microscope will consist of a camera, a mirror assembly holder, and a light source. The assembled microscope will allow you to observe and capture images of samples using a smartphone or a computer.

Materials Needed​

  1. Camera (esp32 camera module)
  2. Mirror Assembly Holder
  3. Light Source
  4. Finite Corrected Microscope Objective Lens
  5. Puzzle Pieces (provided in the kit)

Overview of Assembly​

The microscope's general assembly involves setting up a light source to illuminate the sample, a finite corrected microscope objective lens with a joint-based focusing mechanism, a folding mirror to adjust the distance between the lens and the camera, and finally, the camera itself. The camera is an esp32 camera module that can connect to your smartphone or computer through Wi-Fi or USB.

Step-by-Step Assembly Guide​

Step 1: Setting Up the Camera​

  1. Connect the camera to a USB power source to create a Wi-Fi access point.
  2. On your smartphone, go to the Wi-Fi settings and connect to the access point named "Matchboxscope-****."
  3. Open your web browser and enter the camera's IP address. This will open a control interface for the camera.
  4. Adjust the camera's settings as needed and make sure to start the camera stream by clicking the "Start Stream" button.

Step 2: Placing the Camera Cube​

  1. Place the camera cube and two puzzle pieces on a stable surface.
  2. Position the camera on top of the cube and secure it in place using the puzzle pieces.

Step 3: Adding the Mirror​

  1. Position the mirror next to the camera cube in a way that allows you to view the camera sensor through the mirror.
  2. Securely attach the mirror to the camera cube using the provided puzzle pieces.

Step 4: Attaching the Objective Lens​

  1. Take the empty cube and position it next to the camera and mirror assembly.
  2. Carefully insert the finite corrected microscope objective lens into the cube.

Step 5: Finalizing the Microscope​

  1. Connect the empty cube with the objective lens to the camera cube using the provided puzzle pieces.
  2. Ensure that all components are securely attached and aligned properly.

Assembly with photos​

All necessary parts Seeedmicroscope_1

Mirror Cube​

All necessary parts Seeedmicroscope_2

Add Mirror to holder (Mirror has double-sided sticky tape) Seeedmicroscope_3

Add Holder to Cube Seeedmicroscope_4

Manual Z-stage​

All necessary parts Seeedmicroscope_5

Add 5mm rods to base (tricky part since the holes are just large enough to hold the rods, be careful not to destroy the base)

Seeedmicroscope_6

Add slide and second rod and close base Seeedmicroscope_7

Add knob with one screw Seeedmicroscope_8

When adding second screw make sure you have slide and knob down so that you can move the slide along the z-axis freely Seeedmicroscope_9

Add objective (Attention: mount the objective not on the side of the rib!!) Seeedmicroscope_10

Add module to cube Seeedmicroscope_11

Seeed Xiao Sense Camera Cube​

All necessary parts Seeedmicroscope_12

Unpack Camera Seeedmicroscope_13

Assemble Camera Seeedmicroscope_14

Remove lens from camera sensor (Be careful!!) by unscrewing it using pliers Seeedmicroscope_15

Have Camera seperate makes it easier to unscrew the lens Seeedmicroscope_16

Add camera back to the xiao module Seeedmicroscope_17

Place camera in cube insert Seeedmicroscope_18

Make sure camera lurkes through the hole Seeedmicroscope_19

Add lid with screws Seeedmicroscope_20

Stick wifi antenna round the edge Seeedmicroscope_21

Place inside cube Seeedmicroscope_22

Make sure USB entry is facing to one side without the pins Seeedmicroscope_23

Sample and Light Cube​

All necessary parts Seeedmicroscope_24

ADd light to insert Seeedmicroscope_25

Add sample mount to cube and close it Seeedmicroscope_26

Final assembly of all cubes​

All cubes Seeedmicroscope_27

First layer: Have to puzzle pieces and add camera and mirror cube Seeedmicroscope_29

Second layer: Have to puzzle pieces and add z-stage and empty cube Seeedmicroscope_30 Seeedmicroscope_31

Merge first and second layer Seeedmicroscope_32

Add two more puzzle pieces and add sample/light cube Seeedmicroscope_33

Flashing software​

Go to https://matchboxscope.github.io/firmware/FLASH.html and select XIAO and connect to the board Seeedmicroscope_34

Select the port and connect (Chrome only!) Seeedmicroscope_35

Flash the firmware and wait until done Seeedmicroscope_36

Turn on the light Seeedmicroscope_37

Search for Wifi Matchboxscope-XXX and connect, go to http://192.168.4.1

Turn on Stream and find sample in focus Seeedmicroscope_39 Seeedmicroscope_40

Focus sample with manual focusing stage Seeedmicroscope_41

Using an Android APP​

For Android users, plesae have a look here: https://matchboxscope.github.io/docs/APP

This app will help you connect and capture images using this microscope.

Conclusion​

Congratulations! You have successfully assembled your modular microscope. With this microscope, you can now observe various samples and capture images using the camera connected to your smartphone or computer. This modular design allows for easy customization and experimentation, making it a versatile tool for exploring the microscopic world.

Remember, the performance of the microscope might be affected by the modifications made to the objective lens, so adjust your expectations accordingly. Enjoy exploring and discovering the hidden wonders of the microcosmos!