FlyPi - 100 dollar microscope / behavioural setup

The blueprint for this tool is available online, as the project is completely open source. In order to build one, potential users are advised to check the paper describing it (http://biorxiv.org/content/early/2017/03/31/122812) and the github repository containing all necessary files (https://github.com/amchagas/Flypi)

Build

Instructions for building this tool at . The anticipated cost of materials to build this tool is $51 - $100. It may take A few hours.

Borrow

Buy

About this tool
Description

The FlyPi is an open source affordable microscope (less than 100 dollars for the basic version), that can be used in a lot of applications requiring amplification of tiny things/objects. In our more detailed description (http://biorxiv.org/content/early/2017/03/31/122812) we show applications in neuroscience, animal behaviour, diagnostics and education. Due to the open source aspect of the project, it can easily be adapted to uses we didn't think of, or test yet.


The microscope can be used as traditional optical microscopes would be used. Additionally, with the use of special (but affordable) theather lighting filters and certain animal models, it can be used to detect calcium activity of cells and well as fluorescent proteins.
This tool is recommended for lending libraries.
Used by these projects Biodiversity PEEK, iNaturalist, Nature's Notebook, Volunteer Stream Monitoring Program, OPAL Soil and Earthworm Survey, Seagrass-Watch, Creek Freaks IWLA, Creek Freaks Program, Creek Freaks, Wisconsin's Water Action Volunteers, The GLOBE Program, Cyanobacteria Monitoring Collaborative (CMC)
Ideal Age Group The assembly of the tool requires some soldering, so it is probably not very suitable for small children. The use of the tool requires basic computer knowledge, as the user interface relies on keyboard and mouse.
Training Learning materials are available online.
Use considerations Assembly is required. Callibration is required. This tool relies on lab processing. This tool require consumable materials (e.g. batteries, light bulbs, etc.).
Size & weight Medium: This tool would fit in a 12 inch cube.
Between 13oz and 1lb (4 sticks of butter weigh about 1lb)
Expected lifetime Should last more or less forever
Topics Education, Health & Medicine, Nature & Outdoors, Animals, Biology, Birds, Ocean, Water, Marine & Terrestrial, Insects & Pollinators
Activities Emergency Response, At home, At school, At a science center, zoo or aquarium, At night, On a lunch break
Tool updated June 26, 2017, 12:22 p.m.