Introduction: Build a USB Digital Microscope in 60min and 15$
How to turn a 10$ microscope and a 5$ USB camera into a cool digital microscope in 60 minuets.
Step 1: Disassmble Any USB Simple Webcab
Just remove any screws and plastic cover that is not needed.
This webcam cost me 5$ - very simple low resolution web cam.
Step 2: Place Hot-glue Over the Electronic Side of the Camera So It Won't Get Damaged.
Place hot-glue over the electronic side of the camera so it won't get damaged.
Step 3: Remove the Insolation From the Cable & Add a Red and White Wire.
Use a cutter or a small knife to remove the insulation (BE VERY CAREFUL - DO NOT CUT YOURSELF!)
Cut the red and black wires and reveal the copper wiring .
Connect two additional extensions for these cables (5V DC) and solder the red together and the blacks together (not red to black!)
Step 4: White LED Connection
connect a 50 to 330 Ohm resistor to the red wire and the other side to the long LED line .
Then connect the black wire to the short LED lead.
Step 5: Connect the White LED
1. Solder the LED lines , connected and insulate with electric tape.
Remove the mirro from the bottom and connect a toothpick to the two holes that remain.
connect the LED to the toothpick with hot-glue.
Step 6: Connect the Camera
while you view the image via the SW used for the webcam - position it so you get a clear image . you may need to play with it for a while .
After you find the exact location use a hot glue gun to fix it to that position .
Then tape the wires tidily to the microscope and start taking pictures...
Step 7: Pictures of Pollen (150x 300x 600x)
Pictures of Pollen (150x 300x 600x)
Step 8: Pictures of Cotton(150x 300x 600x)
Pictures of Cotton(150x 300x 600x)
Step 9: Pictures of Grass(150x 300x 600x)
Pictures of Grass(150x 300x 600x)
Step 10: I Hope You Like My Instructable - If You Do - Please Rate It
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78 Comments
8 years ago
can i make it without microscope and what type of microscope it is ??? i am from india i am not able to find one
Reply 8 years ago on Introduction
You need a microscope for this. Try eBay - I've found a x1200 microscope for 25 pounds, free worldwide shipping
14 years ago on Introduction
This is really neat but the title is a little deceiving, since the Microscope part of the USB Digital Microscope for only 15$ costs around $250. Otherwise, good job
Reply 12 years ago on Introduction
Trust me - this microscope is the cheapest type you can buy in a $ shop (it cost 10$) - If I where to use a 250$ one the pictures would be much much better!
give it a try.
Reply 14 years ago on Introduction
This microscope cost me 6$ (bad wraping) - new it is 10$ . look in the toy section in "toys R us" good luck :-)
12 years ago on Step 8
How to change magnification?
Reply 12 years ago on Introduction
The microscope pictured has a revolving "turret" that allows the user to dial a magnification. You can see a similar microscope with the parts labeled at this web site: http://www.microscope-microscope.org/basic/microscope-parts.htm
12 years ago on Step 10
very nice!
12 years ago on Step 10
muy bueno! felicidades Grats!
13 years ago on Step 10
Yo quiero hacer uno de esots, ¡Muy bueno!
Reply 13 years ago on Step 10
English pls .
Thanks
Reply 13 years ago on Introduction
Translation: I want to make one of these. Very well done!!!
Reply 13 years ago on Introduction
Thanks - good luck . post pictures when you make it.
13 years ago on Introduction
yeap, this i a good instructable Congratz!!
14 years ago on Step 3
In bold @ the top of step III it says "...add a red and white wire."
Should be red & black as I'm sure you know :p
14 years ago on Introduction
hey can you please give me materials how to build this microscope because i want to build two different kinds of microscopes?
15 years ago on Introduction
how would you make it magnify in the thousands 1200x just wondering
Reply 14 years ago on Introduction
On optical microscopes the maximum usable magnification is around 800X with out using oil immersion. If you use oil immersion it is possible to get a magnification around 1200X, but only under thebest conditions.
Reply 15 years ago on Introduction
I assume it should work .. just give it a try and play with the distances before you put the glue. see the image in real time and only then put the glue on.
14 years ago on Introduction
You can get better qaulity if you use a nicer digital camera (more detail with higher x) Plus using a stand allows for greater mobility and ensures you get the picture you want, check out my instructable) Sure it's more expensive, but it looks cooler. otherwise AWESOME INSTRUCTABLE (: (my I-able) https://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-take-crystal-clear-digital-snapshots-throug