DIY Microscopy Instruction (Spanish)

Instructions


This is a translation of the original english/german article on DIY_microscopy. Feel free to contribute, change or add your own examples.


 * Other languages available :

DIY Mikroskop Anleitung (Deutsch)

DIY Microscopy Instruction (Chinese)

DIY Microscopy Instruction (Portuguese)

DIY Microscopy Instruction (Spanish)

DIY Microscopy Instruction (Italian)

DIY Microscopy Instruction (Bahasa Indonesia)

DIY Microscopy Instruction (French)

DIY Microscopy Instruction (Japanese)

DIY Microscopy Instruction (български)

0. Introducción y Materiales
La construcción del Microscopio "DIY" incluye la transformación de una webcam común en un microscopio.La transformación de la webcam puede hacerse rápido manualmente. La electrónica permanece inalterada, mientras que solo la posición de las lentes es modificada. Una plataforma sólida permite fijar y enfocar de una manera precisa los pequeños objetos de estudio. Estos son iluminados por una luz LED.

El Microscopio "DIY" está compuesto por tres componentes, ensamblados consecutivamente:


 * Una webcam modificada
 * Una plataforma estable de observación
 * Iluminación mediante una luz LED

Partes/Lista de Materiales
Básicas
 * 1 webcam
 * Cartón (thick) / wood, 20 x 30 cm
 * Cartón pluma, 20 x 30 cm
 * Tornillo de métrica 4, approx. 15 cm largo, con tuercas para su ajuste.
 * Cinta aislante
 * Adhesivo Blu-Tack
 * Cola termofusible
 * Gomas elásticas

Herramientas
 * Cutter / cuchillo afilado
 * Destornillador, pequeño
 * Pistola para cola termofusible
 * (opcional) Esañador

Fuente externa de luz LED opcional
 * 1 interruptor
 * 1 diodo LED de luz blanca
 * 1 bateria(9V)
 * 1 cable de conexión a la batería
 * 1 resistor (1 k Ω )
 * 1 potentiometro (20 k Ω )
 * 30 cm de cable aislado
 * Alambre cubierto de plástico

Micrscopio y equipo de observación
 * Vasos transparentes de plástico
 * Portas de vidrio
 * Plascas petri, hechas de plástico o vidrio
 * Pipetas desechables
 * Rotulador permanente
 * Cuchara pequeña metálica (tipo postre)
 * Pinzas
 * contenedores plásticos para conservación de las muestras

1. Modificación de la webcam Parte A: Pequeña ampliación



 * Selección de una webcam común. Los modelos que más se ajustan son los que permiten un enfoque manual mediante el uso del anillo de enfoque de las lentes. la única solución es la prueba y error.


 * Antes de modificar la cámara, esta debe ser comprobada. Para ello debe conectarse a un ordenador, y todos los controladores necesarios deben ser instalados. Las webcam funcionan en Windows, Mac, o Linux.




 * Con esta misma configuración la cámara puede ser utilizada para la observación cercana de objetos. Sólo debe ser desenroscada la lente y debemos posicionar el objeto de una manera cercana. Una lámpara portátil permite mejorara las condiciones de iluminación.


 * El enfocar la cámara en objetos pequeños produce efectos sorprendentes: Incluso sin modificación alguna uno comienza a vislumbrar cosas que a simple vista no eran visibles.

1. Conversion of the webcam Part B: Maximal enlargement


RGB pixels on screen become visible.
 * Now we begin dismantling the webcam. The screws are removed. Partly such screws are hidden beneath labels or rubber caps. With a solid tool – in this case the screwdriver of a Swiss Army knife – the webcam ’s cover is removed.
 * The appliance ’s interior can now be seen: it consists of optics and an electronic switch. We can do without the light-emitting diodes (LEDs). We shall later construct our own light.
 * The optics is partially glued on. By careful twisting we can detach it from the electronics. The optics’ outer ring (at the right of the picture) will no longer be used later. It only serves as decoration.
 * With the use of a strong side cutter we cut through the plastic casing. Now the electronics including all wires and the USB cable can be removed from the casing.
 * The webcam’s interior: on the left side of the picture we can see the internal microphone, which, however, is not needed for our project.
 * Now we place the optics upside down on the fitting. It can no longer be screwed on and must therefore be firmly secured. The optics is attached with a piece of duct tape.
 * To test the equipment we connect the modified webcam with the computer and point the lens towards the screen. Now the individual

2. Construction of the platform



 * Using small lumps of Blu-Tack adhesive, the webcam is attached to a solid pasteboard of about 15 x 15 cm.
 * The platform’s side wall consisting of scale model cardboard. With a pencil we draw the height of the lens on it and cut off the cardboard along that line. We use hot glue for pasting.
 * Using a carpet cutter, we cut a rectangular opening into another piece of scale model cardboard. This piece too is attached with hot glue.




 * The adjustable screw requires a hole. We attach the screw nut right at the top with a small drop of hot glue. Then we insert the adjustable screw. It must reach down to the lower platform.
 * Rubber bands provide more stability to the platform. With the screw the scale model board can now be moved up and down by a few millimeters.

3. The light source



 * Our microscope also has a light source in the form of a light-emitting diode (LED). The lighting can be easily produced by oneself.
 * In this easy way, the wires can be twisted together. But it is safer if they are solded on.
 * The centimeters long feed of our light source is wrapped with garden wire. The wire thus becomes pliable and later can be attached in any position.
 * The light source, potentiometer and battery are attached to our construction with hot glue. Our DIY MICROSCOPE is ready for use.

3.B Hacking the LEDs from the Webcam (to be documented)

 * Coming soon

4. Using the Microscope and Hunting for Microorganisms



 * The USB cable of the converted webcam is connected to the computer. Now we can begin with our examinations.
 * The study objects are placed on a glass slide and can be shifted by hand. The microscope’s focus is regulated by the adjustable screw.
 * As with a professional microscope, with our DIY tool we are able to take electronic photos and even films. Photos and films are digitally available, can be further processed and of course be easily published on the Internet.