Difference between revisions of "FAQs"
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*Advantages of our Miniscope system | *Advantages of our Miniscope system | ||
**Cabling: The Miniscope system using a single coaxial cable to connect the scopes to the DAQ box. These coax cables are commercially available, very robust, cheap, lightweight, and flexible. | **Cabling: The Miniscope system using a single coaxial cable to connect the scopes to the DAQ box. These coax cables are commercially available, very robust, cheap, lightweight, and flexible. | ||
| − | **Commutator compatible: Due to our cabling and data protocol using in our system, a commutator can be hooked up between the scope and the DAQ box minimizing cable and animal strain and expanding the possibilities of what can be done with miniature microscopes. | + | **Commutator compatible: Due to our cabling and data protocol using in our system, a commutator can be hooked up between the scope and the DAQ box minimizing cable and animal strain and expanding the possibilities of what can be done with miniature microscopes. We have successfully used a 2 channel commutator from DragonFly. |
**Open-source: Our system is the opposite of a black-box. We think science benefits the most when scientists understand what their equipment/analysis is doing and how they can modify it to best suit their needs. | **Open-source: Our system is the opposite of a black-box. We think science benefits the most when scientists understand what their equipment/analysis is doing and how they can modify it to best suit their needs. | ||
**Cost: To build a Miniscope system consisting of 4 scopes and 1 DAQ box it will cost around $3k. A comparable system from Inscopix is around $250k. Most labs can afford to build a Miniscope system for each researcher interested in using it. Removing the complications that arise from sharing equipment during time sensitive experiments. | **Cost: To build a Miniscope system consisting of 4 scopes and 1 DAQ box it will cost around $3k. A comparable system from Inscopix is around $250k. Most labs can afford to build a Miniscope system for each researcher interested in using it. Removing the complications that arise from sharing equipment during time sensitive experiments. | ||
Revision as of 13:37, 13 January 2016
Below you will find answers to common questions about our microscope system. Is you have a question that is not address here consider asking it on our Discussion Board.
Contents
- 1 How much does your system cost?
- 2 What skill sets are needed to setup a miniscope system of my own?
- 3 What design software do you suggest using to modify the miniscope system?
- 4 Where can I find all the design files related to the miniscope project?
- 5 Where can I find more information on GRIN lenses and GRIN lens related issues
- 6 How does the Miniscope system differ from the nVista system from Inscopix?
How much does your system cost?
In general, our miniscope system will cost around $3,000 for 5 miniscopes, a DAQ board, and all associated hardware and software. Each additional scope will cost ~$400. You can find a general breakdown of costs HERE, and a detailed breakdown of each item HERE.
What skill sets are needed to setup a miniscope system of my own?
Basic soldering knowledge is needed for soldering wires to PCBs as well as possibly soldering connectors to coax cables. Some great soldering tutorials can be found here. Physically assembling the miniscope system does not require any specialized knowledge or skills.
What design software do you suggest using to modify the miniscope system?
The machined plastic parts of the scope are designed using SolidWorks which is a powerful, each to use and affordable 3D CAD program.
Cypress EZ-USB FX3 SDK contains the programs needed to modify the DAQ firmware, GPIF II interface, and flash the firmware to the DAQ harrdware.
I use Microsoft Visual Studio to develop our DAQ software which can be downloaded for free through Microsoft DreamSpark but is not necessary for writing your own DAQ software. The miniscope hardware enumerates as a generic webcam which means it can be controlled through other open source and commercial webcam software. OpenCV libraries also provide a nice starting point for building your own DAQ software.
All downloadable content can be found on our Files for Download page.
Take a look at GRIN Lens Information.
How does the Miniscope system differ from the nVista system from Inscopix?
- Advantages of our Miniscope system
- Cabling: The Miniscope system using a single coaxial cable to connect the scopes to the DAQ box. These coax cables are commercially available, very robust, cheap, lightweight, and flexible.
- Commutator compatible: Due to our cabling and data protocol using in our system, a commutator can be hooked up between the scope and the DAQ box minimizing cable and animal strain and expanding the possibilities of what can be done with miniature microscopes. We have successfully used a 2 channel commutator from DragonFly.
- Open-source: Our system is the opposite of a black-box. We think science benefits the most when scientists understand what their equipment/analysis is doing and how they can modify it to best suit their needs.
- Cost: To build a Miniscope system consisting of 4 scopes and 1 DAQ box it will cost around $3k. A comparable system from Inscopix is around $250k. Most labs can afford to build a Miniscope system for each researcher interested in using it. Removing the complications that arise from sharing equipment during time sensitive experiments.
- Focusing Mechanism: The Miniscope system using a sliding, rather than rotating, focusing mechanism for adjusting the imaging plane. No rotational imaging registration is needed and we have noticed finding the correct imaging plane is easier with a sliding focus.
- Advantages of the nVista system from Inscopix
- Works out of the box. No need for assembly.
- Support: Inscopix provides commercial support for their system.
