Difference between revisions of "FlyPi"

Revision as of 10:02, 29 August 2018

FlyPi is a 'Do-It-Yourself' all in one biology lab that can be used for optical microscopy, diagnostics, perform state of the art methods of research in Neurosciences, such as Optogenetics, Calcium Imaging and Fluorescence microscopy (more details can be found in Maia Chagas, 2017).

Author Talley Sagot | Last edit 13/03/2020 by TinkererTalley

Difficulty

Medium

Duration

28 hour(s)

Introduction

The aim of this tutorial is to consolidate all construction information for this biology lab so I can feed my insatiable urge to see how things work. Microscopy offers a lens to explore each visual frontier with its new perspectives, joy, wonder and illumination of a minuscule life regularly unobserved. This is an amazing experiences for anyone curious of what lies beneath our immediate visual capabilities. One main constraint for curious students, researchers and/or educators is access to effective scientific tools, likely due to high prices set by development under a patent/scarcity methodology. One way to get around this limiting factor is by building your own biology tools like the FlyPi; An all-in-one biology lab with powerful “off-the-shelf” electronic elements (Raspberry Pi & Arduino nano). It's modularity offers a fast, low cost device which allows for better experimental control, customization for specific needs, and most importantly enables accessibility for exploration and research of the micro world around. Just putting it together is a great learning experience for everyone not immediately comfortable with electronics. Some People have even begun to join scientific efforts in pursuing solutions to their local problems!

Steps

1- Modularity: show some images/examples of the setup built, Explain Modularity principle .

2- Gathering materials: - Show the options to buy parts from kitspace, but also add links to the original github repository, stating that due to modularity, not all parts are necessary for basic functionality. (on the repository there are more detailed bill of material files)

3- Building hardware: Explain module flexibilities

4- Software Installation: How to install useful software on SD card

5- Launching FlyPi program: Putting it all together to start collecting image data!

Materials

Monitor

Computer mouse - USB

Keyboard - USB

3D print files (.stl) : Under 'Files' tab above

Custom PCB (Principle Component Board parts can be found on: https://kitspace.org/boards/github.com/prometheus-science/flypi/ )

Tools

Soldering Iron, Solder

Computer with:

- ability to connect SD card

- internet Connection

3D printer

Step 1 - Modularity

1- Modularity: show some images/examples of the setup built, Explain Modularity principle

Step 2 - Gathering Materials & Creating Parts

2- Gathering materials: - Show the options to buy parts from kitspace, but also add links to the original github repository, stating that due to modularity, not all parts are necessary for basic functionality. (on the repository there are more detailed bill of material files)

Electronic parts can be ordered from this kitspace page (lists have been conveniently compiled in various online market shopping carts):

https://kitspace.org/boards/github.com/prometheus-science/flypi/

3D print files can be found in the files tab

Step 3 - Building hardware