Assemble the basic optics module

The imaging optics for this workstation version consist of the Raspberry Pi camera and the lens from the camera. To create a microscope, the lens is separated from the camera. This makes quite a good microscope objective with a field of view about 950μm across.

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

• Use nitrile gloves to manipulate camera and lens.
• 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.

Step 3: Push-fit the lens

• Place the Pi Camera lens on a clean surface with the side opposite the camera sensor on the bottom.
• Push the lens spacer down onto the lens until it clicks into place.

Step 4: Attach the Pi Camera

• Take the Pi Camera and place it on top of the pi camera platform.
• Place the lens spacer over the camera.
• Use four M2x5mm cap head screws to secure the three parts together using a 1.5mm Ball-end Allen key

Step 5: Attach the mounting screw

• Take an M3 nut and push it into the nut trap from the top
• Take an M3x10mm cap head screw and screw it into the nut.
• Only screw it in a couple of turns. About 5 mm of thread should still be visible.

Step 6: Connect ribbon cable

• Take the 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

Step 7: Set the complete module aside

Set the complete optics module aside in a safe place.

---

Previous page | Next page