- Build the high-resolution microscope
- Build the low-cost microscope
- Build the upright microscope
- Customisations and alternatives
- Troubleshooting
- Knowledge base

# Assemble the basic optics module

The imaging optics for this version of the microscope consist of a 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 Raspberry Pi Camera Module v2. If it is missing, you can 3D print a workaround lens remover.

### Printed Parts

- 1 Lens spacer
- 1 pi camera platform

### Electronic Components

- 1 200mm Pi Camera ribbon cable - This is longer than the standard ribbon cable the Pi Camera is sold with!
- 1 Raspberry Pi Camera Module v2

### Mechanical Components

- 1 M3 nut
- 1 M3x10 cap head screws
- 4 No 2 6.5mm self tapping screws

## Step 1: 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 2: Remove Pi Camera Lens

Caution!

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 in this version of the microscope.

## Push-fit the lens

- Work out which side of the pi camera lens used to be facing the camera sensor (This is the side with more lens visible).
- Place the pi camera 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 it clicks into place.

## 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 200mm Pi Camera ribbon cable
- 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

Set the complete optics module aside in a safe place.

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