Questions Regarding Microscope Design & Build

[AlexisLam17]

Hi, my name is Alexis! I'm a research assistant and this is the first time I've worked with instrument fabrication. I have a few questions regarding the design and build for this microscope. I was wondering if anybody could provide some clarity. (Please excuse any novice questions I may have)

1. Is there a specific model of Nema motor that should be used in the OPT microscope? I have come across several Nema 17 motors with a 0.9-degree specification, but I am unsure if there is a recommended model to purchase.

2. While reviewing the diyOPT Assembly.step file, I encountered confusion regarding the placement of the cuvette base within the microscope setup. Is the base necessary, or can the specimen chamber be directly placed on the breadboard?

3. I noticed that version 1.1 of the OPT motor driver custom file is available on Github, but an updated version 1.2 has been developed by Rusty Nicovich. If we opt to use the newer version, are there any additional modifications required for other components?

4. Lastly, the BNC pigtail cables listed in the parts inventory are mentioned as being "made in-house." I also found references to assembling connector cables in the optMotorDriver BOM.txt file. Could you clarify if these connector cables correspond to the BNC pigtail cables?

Thank you in advance for your assistance and time!

[PRNicovich]

Alexis - glad you're giving the AIBSOPT a shot. It is a relatively straightforward build but like any academic design it can be a little haphazard in the instructions.

1. No specific model is needed. NEMA17 describes the mounting hole pattern, and 0.9 deg the step size. These are the most critical parameters. The application doesn't require much torque so a smaller motor would be ok. May need to adjust the mounting height based on the length of the motor shaft. I don't have the info on the original one used but this one looks similar :
   https://www.robotdigg.com/product/1250/spec/NDJITTYwLTE2ODQ=/0.9-step-angle-NEMA17-stepper-motors

2. The base is only necessary to get the specimen chamber in line with the optical axis and repeatibly repositioned. If your chamber is larger than the one I used then sitting it on the breadboard is no problem.

3. The driver boards are independent of the rest of the components. Either works to drive the instrument, but I believe the 1.2 to be easier with a few more convenience buttons for things like spinning the motor during alignment.

4. The lab-made cables are the BNC and the other necessary cable types. These can of course be purchased or sourced from lab stocks. Exact length required can depend on your layout, but these are not critical dimensions. The demands on these cables is very low. Basically use what works.

Good luck!

[AlexisLam17]

Hi Rusty,

Thank you so much for answering my questions! I look forward to building this microscope!