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Added standard configurations
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rwb27 committed Jan 15, 2019
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Expand Up @@ -17,6 +17,54 @@ There is a test file that prints a single leg of the microscope - the Microscope

The optics module needs to print with some fine detail, so the dovetail meshes nicely with the stage. A good way to ensure this is to print it at the same time as other parts - either print more than one optics module at a time, or print it at the same time as the microscope body. This slows down the time for each layer, and means the plastic can cool more completely before the layer on top is deposited, resulting in a higher-quality part. The optics module is best printed in black to cut down on stray light inside the tube - though it will still work in other colours.

## Standard builds of the microscope
The list of parts below is pretty extensive and tries to explain all the various options - however, if you just want to build a "normal" version of the microscope, there are two versions we'd reccommend:

### Webcam-based microscope
The basic version of the microscope uses a webcam lens instead of a microscope objective - you still get a really nice focusing/sample translation stage, but with basic options. This version is great for school or hobby use, gets a resolution of about 2um or better, and is the cheapest to build. This is the version we usually build at workshops. For each microscope, you will need to print one copy of each of the following files:

* ``actuator_assembly_tools.stl``
* ``picamera_2_gripper.stl``
* [optional] ``picamera_2_lens_gripper.stl`` (only needed if your camera didn't come with a tool to remove the lens)
* ``main_body_LS65.stl``.
* ``feet.stl``
* ``gears.stl``
* ``illumination_dovetail.stl``
* ``condenser.stl``
* ``sample_clips.stl``
* ``camera_platform_picamera_2_LS65.stl``
* ``lens_spacer_picamera_2_pilens_LS65.stl``
* ``microscope_stand.stl`` or ``back_foot.stl``

This will need the nuts, bolts, etc. described below, plus a Raspberry Pi computer (any model will do) and Raspberry Pi camera module. No other optical bits are required, except an LED for illumination. If your Raspberry Pi is in a case already, you should print ``back_foot.stl`` so the microscope sits flat on a table. If you want to mount the Raspberry Pi underneath the microscope (our preferred option), print ``microscope_stand.stl`` instead. Newer camera modules include a white circular tool for unscrewing the lens. If you don't have one, you will need to print the lens gripper (marked as optional).

### High resolution microscope
The version of the microscope used for scientific or medical research generally requires a conventional objective lens. Most of the parts are the same, but the optics and sample mount are different. You will need one copy of each of the following files:

* ``actuator_assembly_tools.stl``
* ``lens_tool.stl``
* ``picamera_2_gripper.stl``
* [optional] ``picamera_2_lens_gripper.stl`` (only needed if your camera didn't come with a tool to remove the lens)
* ``main_body_LS65-M.stl``.
* ``feet.stl``
* ``gears.stl``
* ``illumination_dovetail.stl``
* ``condenser.stl``
* ``sample_clips.stl``
* ``optics_picamera_2_rms_f50d13_LS65.stl``
* ``microscope_stand.stl``
* ``sample_riser_LS10.stl`` (assuming you have a microscope objective with a 45mm parfocal distance)

**For motorised operation you will also need**
* ``small_gears.stl``
* ``motor_driver_case.stl``

Additionally, you will need:
* an RMS threaded, finite-conjugates objective lens. These can be obtained from e.g. AliExpress. Depending on whether it is 35mm or 45mm from the "shoulder" of the lens to the sample, you may or may not need the sample riser. We almost always use 45mm "plan" corrected lenses, which do require the riser.
* a 12.7mm diameter, 50mm focal length achromatic lens, e.g. ThorLabs ac127-050-a or generic equivalent.
* a 13mm diameter, 5mm focal length PMMA lens for the condenser (sold as LED lenses in bulk)
* three 28BYJ-48 stepper motors and a [sangaboard](https://github.com/rwb27/openflexure_nano_motor_controller/) driver, or other suitable electronics.

## Required parts
Make sure you have all the necessary parts and tools. The parts should all be listed in the bill of materials, which is currently a work in progress (eventually it will be produced automatically, which should help it to stay accurate). We reccommend reading through all the instructions, rather than trusting what is currently listed here.

Expand All @@ -30,16 +78,16 @@ Currently, the STL files live in the [builds folder](../builds). This will move
* [optional] tool to unscrew the camera's lens (only needed if your camera didn't come with one) ``picamera_2_lens_gripper.stl``

**Components:**
* body of the microscope: ``body_<stage size><height>[-M].stl``.
* body of the microscope: ``main_body_<stage size><height>[-M].stl``.
* 3 feet: ``feet.stl`` or ``feet_tall.stl`` (contains all 3)
* 3 large gears: ``gears.stl`` (contains all 3)
* illumination:
- ``illumination_dovetail.stl``
- ``condenser.stl``
* 2 sample clips: ``sample_clips.stl`` (contains both)
* optics module:
- old-style optics module (best with RMS objectives): ``optics_<camera>_<lens>_<stage size><height>.stl``
- platform-style optics module (best with webcam lenses): ``camera_platform_<camera>_<stage size><height>.stl`` and ``lens_spacer_<camera>_<lens>_<stage_size><height>.stl``
* optics module (you need one of the two options below):
- old-style optics module (one part, best with RMS objectives): ``optics_<camera>_<lens>_<stage size><height>.stl``
- platform-style optics module (two parts, best with webcam lenses): ``camera_platform_<camera>_<stage size><height>.stl`` and ``lens_spacer_<camera>_<lens>_<stage_size><height>.stl``
* [optional] camera cover: ``picamera_2_cover.stl``
* [optional] 3 small gears for motors: ``small_gears.stl`` (contains all 3)
* [optional] riser for the sample: ``sample_riser_<stage size><thickness>.stl``
Expand All @@ -50,16 +98,16 @@ Currently, the STL files live in the [builds folder](../builds). This will move

In the filenames above, where there are multiple versions, parameters are included in angle brackets:
* ``<stage size>`` selects the size of the platform - but currently only ``LS`` is supported.
* ``<height>`` is the height from the bottom of the main body to the top of the stage in mm, currently fixed at ``65``.
* Usually the above two parameters occur next to each other, so you will see ``LS65``.
* ``<height>`` is the height from the bottom of the main body to the top of the stage in mm, currently either ``65`` or ``75``.
* Usually the above two parameters occur next to each other, so you will see ``LS65``. I pretty much only use ``65`` as standard, and if I am using an objective (which is the norm) I add a 10mm riser.
* ``<camera>`` is the camera you are using, either ``picamera_2`` for the Raspberry Pi camera module v2, ``c270`` for the Logitech C270, or ``m12`` for a camera with a screw-on M12 lens mount.
* ``<lens>`` is the lens you are using, either ``pilens``, ``c270_lens``, or ``m12_lens`` if you are using the lens that came with your camera. To use a finite-conjugate objective lens, you should specify ``rms_f50d13`` (for a 50mm focal length ThorLabs ac127-050-a lens). Code exists for ``rms_f40d16`` (to use a Comar tube lens, focal length 40mm, diameter 16mm) but is deprecated.
* ``<thickness>`` is the thickness of a stage riser - the amount it adds to the height. Usually a 10mm riser is used with a 65mm body to allow a 45mm parfocal distance objective to be used.
* ``<lens>`` is the lens you are using, either ``pilens``, ``c270_lens``, or ``m12_lens`` if you are using the lens that came with your camera. To use a finite-conjugate, RMS threaded objective lens, you should specify ``rms_f50d13`` (for a 50mm focal length, 12.7mm diameter tube lens, e.g. ThorLabs ac127-050-a). You can also specify ``rms_f40d16`` (to use a Comar tube lens, focal length 40mm, diameter 16mm) but this is deprecated as the images weren't as good.
* ``<thickness>`` is the thickness of a stage riser - the amount it adds to the height. Usually a 10mm riser is used with a 65mm body to allow a 45mm parfocal distance objective to be used, currently only LS10 is reccommended.
Optional bits of filenames are in square brackets above:
* ``-M`` in the body name means it has motor lugs to allow 28BYJ-48 stepper motors to be fitted
* ``_tall`` on the illumination or the feet means the body sits 26mm off the ground rather than 15mm, to give clearance for larger camera modules. This is only useful if you are not using the microscope stand.

Currently, there are two supported versions of the body; ``LS65`` and ``LS65-M``. The only difference is that the ``-M`` version can be fitted with motors. To build the high-resolution version of the microscope, use the 10mm thick sample riser ``sample_riser_LS10.stl``, and ``optics_picamera_2_rms_f50d13_LS65.stl``. To build the low-resolution version, don't use the sample riser, and instead use ``camera_platform_picamera_2_LS65.stl`` and ``lens_spacer_picamera_2_pilens_LS65.stl``. In both cases, it's best to print the microscope stand, and use the standard-height feet.
Currently, there are two reccommended versions of the body; ``LS65`` and ``LS65-M``. The only difference is that the ``-M`` version can be fitted with motors. To build the high-resolution version of the microscope, use the 10mm thick sample riser ``sample_riser_LS10.stl``, and ``optics_picamera_2_rms_f50d13_LS65.stl``. To build the low-resolution version, don't use the sample riser, and instead use ``camera_platform_picamera_2_LS65.stl`` and ``lens_spacer_picamera_2_pilens_LS65.stl``. In both cases, it's best to print the microscope stand, and use the standard-height feet.


### Non-printed parts
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