#Micromate plate reviews how to#
#Micromate plate reviews series#

Since I mainly work on the right side, a lot of real estate is now wasted. Inevitably, the microscope is no longer centred on my optical table bench. The rail is secured to the motor bracket via 1/4”-20 T-slot sliders and longer Arca-Swiss plate screws.Ī new problem presented itself. At the heart of this revised stand is an Arca-Swiss compatible rail offering the convenience of clamping. I can align the coupling ring perfectly and slide it out when I want to use the left hand focusing knobs of my microscope. Despite the lacklustre coupling method, this is a major improvement that solved all the small issues I have encountered. I constructed my own frame with 2 degrees of secure adjustments (X and Z). My first improvement to the device is captured by a couple hundred dollars spent on some nice Thorlabs components. The frame is very basic and must be clamped down, however, this is not an option since I work on an optical table. My main grievance with the Micromate is the coupling method, four nylon screws are used, which becomes loose over time and must be meticulously aligned to avoid instability. Companies such as Prior (England) and Märzhäuser Wetzlar (Germany) offer such systems, while each offering economically conscious models, the prices are still forbiddingly high, even in the used market. To put everything into perspective, the cost of the Micromate system (motor frame and controller) is the same as a used Prior joystick for advanced industrial microscopy automation devices. For amateur photomicrography photographers, there exist no other choice that is reasonably priced. The original system aims to be universal, reliable, while also keeping the cost within an acceptable range. Saves space and no more adjustment headaches.I love my Wemacro Micromate, but similar to everything in life, improvements can be made. My newer solution doesn't require a stand. When I want to use the knobs, I just loosen the clamp and nylon screws, and slide the motor out of the way. This allows 4 degrees of adjustment, up and down, forward and backward.

#Micromate plate reviews series#

Thorlabs XT66 series plate for breadboard mounting Generic Arca-Swiss clamp and rail, M6 T-section slots to mount the rail plate onto Thorlabs XT66 series rail carrier (you can swap this and the below with a dual Arca-Swiss clamp, or glue two together) Thorlabs XT66 series rail block (you can swap this out for an Arca-Swiss rail) I can connect other whatever thingy to the scope such as micrometers, micromanipulators, and off-axis light guides for reflected. Here's what I've done with the stand, keep in mind that I use a proper optical table. You wouldn't need a flimsy stand anymore.

Thanks again for the help.Ĭheck out Saul's post, that's probably the best solution to all your Micromate woes.

#Micromate plate reviews how to#

Taping the microscope's focuser seems like a good idea, and please let me know if you have any other suggestions about how to make this functional. This cannot be altered because of the placement of the M8 screw holes. And when it is mounted on the stand, it is slightly out of alignment, as the front is closer to the edge of the stand than the back end. Even the horizontal axis is unstable because the large knob that holds the device to the vertical bar does not grip the device adequately to prevent movement up and down even with a feather touch to the horizontal bar. My issues are entirely centered on the stability of the system and the various areas wherein I get movement where there should be none. I should add that William has adapted the MicroMate to use a Stackshot controller, and I have that system. I don't believe either of you is in the US, so I hope I can find someone who can help me improve the stability. Thanks very much for both replies, and good to hear that I am not entirely at fault for the inability to align and the various stability issues I believe the device has as shipped.