FAQs

Frequently-asked questions across the community — short answers, with links to the in-depth guides when you need more.

8

FAQs

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Distinct topics

List

How can I stay up to date with Miniscope news?Dissemination

You can subscribe to the Miniscope.org mailing list, follow the project on BlueSky, and check out the What's new page.

How do I make and update my miniscope.org community profile?Beginner

Use the following Community Profile Link to create or edit your profile here. Your profile is public and will be linked to on forum posts and other activity on this wiki. You can also click your account name in the top navigation bar and then click 'User Page'.

The coaxial cable keeps tangling during behavior. How do I fix it?Behavior, ElectronicsData transfer, PlanningBeginner

Use a commutator. The two most recommended options are: 1) OEPS torque-free coaxial commutator: uses the V4's onboard head orientation sensor to actively de-rotate the cable. We have had great experience using it and have also heard very positive reviews from the community. Requires Bonsai (with Jon Newman's Miniscope plugin) to control the Miniscope, because the commutator and Miniscope DAQ software cannot both own the USB data stream at the same time. 2) LabMaker open-MAC commutator is s a low-torque, Motorized All-in-one Commutator. It operates in torque-based mode with minimal audible noise due to its dual magnetic Hall sensors. The system accommodates 128-256 recording channels for electrophysiology and miniature endoscope (miniscope) / optogenetics applications. Passive commutators from DragonFly and Neurotek have also been used. Some older passive designs make image striping artifacts more frequent.

What's different between V4.4 and V4.5?PlanningBeginner

V4.5 (sold by OEPS) adds voltage-detection circuitry intended to work with an upcoming OEPS DAQ revision that will provide active over-voltage protection and regulated power delivery. With the current DAQ the new feature is inactive and V4.5 behaves identically to V4.4. Imaging hardware, optics, and the assembly procedure are unchanged. V4.4 and V4.5 are fully interchangeable within the same experimental setup. Contact OEPS for more information.

What's the difference between Miniscope V3 and Miniscope V4?PlanningBeginner

Miniscope V4 is the current generation (as of mid 2026). Key differences vs. V3: 1) Electrowetting lens (EWL): V4 has a built-in EWL that lets you adjust focus electronically across roughly a 200 µm range. V3 had a fixed focal plane set by mechanical lens placement. 2) Optics: V4 uses achromatic optics, dramatically reducing chromatic aberration in the objective itself. V3 used a 2 mm objective GRIN. 3) Head-orientation sensor: V4 includes a Bosch BNO055 9-axis IMU. V3 does not. 4) GRIN compatibility: V4 is designed for ~0.5-pitch relay GRIN lenses (Inscopix-compatible). V3's optical path used a 2 mm objective GRIN. For new projects, default to V4 (as of mid 2026) unless you have a specific reason to use V3 (e.g. an inherited surgical pipeline built around V3 optics).

When reflowing the 2P Miniscope flex PCB, what order do I do this in?AssemblyIntermediate

This FAQ's answer lives on its page rather than in the Has answer field.

In-depth: Guide/UCLA 2P Miniscope Assembly

Where can I buy a Miniscope V4?PurchasingBeginner

Fully assembled V4 Miniscopes, assembly kits, DAQ boxes, baseplates, and coaxial cables are sold by Open Ephys Production Site, OEPS and LabMaker. Both vendors track the reference UCLA design. OEPS sells the most recent V4.5 board revision. Machined parts and a wide range of accessories are also available from Miniscope Parts (Shylo Stiteler).

Where can I buy reliable coaxial cables for V4?ElectronicsData transfer, PurchasingBeginner

The most common source is Miniscope specific cabling from OEPS or LabMaker. That said, the community has had good experience with the 1.13 mm SMA-to-U.FL cables from data-alliance.net. They are flexible enough for free movement but stiff enough that passive commutators rotate them properly. DIY cables made from Cooner wire work, but soldering U.FL connectors reliably can be tricky and bad cables can damage your DAQ (see the L13 inductor FAQ).