MicrobeHunter.com Microscopy Forum

Finally got missing parts and could finish all dimmable LED/flash microscope illuminator's versions . Now it could be used for:
Nikon Optiphot (1)
Nikon Metaphot (2)
Olympus BH2 BHT BHTU (4)
Nikon Microphot FX (2)
Nikon Microphot FXA
Nikon Microphot SA
Nikon Labophot I (3)



Nikon Labophot



Nikon Optiphot



Nikon Metaphot/Microphot FX



Nikon Microphot SA/FXA



Olympus BH2 BHT BHTU



Labophot version can be used with the broken plastic part in the microscope base (holder "wings") - couple screws/nuts are needed ...

Hi Saul,
this is a very nice looking product! I'm sure that will be able to sell a lot of them at the given price point. Is it necessary for these microscopes to have the light source exactly at the original position or is there a frosted surface in the light path that acts as the light source?

Bob

MicroBob wrote:Hi Saul,
this is a very nice looking product! I'm sure that will be able to sell a lot of them at the given price point. Is it necessary for these microscopes to have the light source exactly at the original position or is there a frosted surface in the light path that acts as the light source?

Bob

Thanks Bob ! It is correct. I used frosted surface behind the lens. For lensless set frosted material can be easily placed behind the front panel .

I had some ideas to make it more universal, like to use for UV - main UV source from the back, from the top would be a normal LED for observation ( to avoid photobleaching). Or vice versa. And flash option, of course. But it is for the future

Olympus BH2 BHT BHTU version with the fly eye lens.
Anybody knows, can be Olympus BH2 BHT BHTU type housing connection used on the Olympus BX40/41 ? And vice versa ?

Olympus BHS version









Unit has fly-eye type colimating lens


With extra diffuser

You made it all by yourself or it's commercial product? I've never seen such a refined solution like this before. I mount my flash on a tripod shooting towards the mirror beneath the condenser. No contest for me

daruosha wrote: ↑

Mon Feb 17, 2020 11:13 pm

You made it all by yourself or it's commercial product? I've never seen such a refined solution like this before. I mount my flash on a tripod shooting towards the mirror beneath the condenser. No contest for me

Thanks ! It is made by myself. It took some time ....

Saul wrote: ↑

Tue Feb 18, 2020 12:51 am

It took some time ....

I can imagine that. Well done.

Olympus BX40 series

https://youtu.be/UuhMU_Lvnic

One more model (in parallel to the existing one) - more powerful, swap-able heatsink (let's say you want UV version also), can be used for non flash version, etc.

Even more, the same heatsink can be used for both LEDs - reversed to the another side.






Even more, the same heatsink can be used for both LEDs - reversed to the another side. Parts are kept together by strong neodymium magnets and centered by the hex screws (non-detachable version - heatsink is mounted permanently).
r


LED power is set to the approx 20w (could be even more by attaching extra heatsinks to the extrusion (which works very well as a heatsink)). Photo, of course , is just for fun, but extra heatsinks are not a problem ...



Using optical glass light guide instead open path allowed me to use more powerful LED and create higher, more concentrated light output.



Unit is powered from the separate power supply



It could be used with the different faceplates, same as the previous model

Hi Saul,
again a great design! Thank you for sharing your methods so openly!

Bob

MicroBob wrote: ↑

Fri Jun 19, 2020 7:27 am

Hi Saul,
again a great design! Thank you for sharing your methods so openly!

Bob

Bob, thank you very much for your words !

More photos

Finalized version with heatsink which can handle approx. 22w (continuous duty). This design allows to use more powerful LEDs also (there is no heat stress on the 3D printed body) with bigger heatsink (or adding additional surfaces to the existing one (big plus of the T-Slot extrusion)). That all allows to use different LEDs, depending on the user's needs .

COB emitting surface diameter should be 12-15mm, to match light guide dimensions.
Was able to squeeze electronics inside, so no external voltage upconverter is needed, just simple power supply.

Photos show Optiphot 2/ Microphot FXA version, but other faceplates are available (same like on the lower power versions)
First photo shows optional power connector for DIY set if needed (standard set has everything inside)

Such elegant work, Saul!

Do you plan to sell such finished customized light sources on eBay?

My DIY solution is similar to daruosha (I use prism under condenser to reflect speedlite) and nowhere as elegant as yours.

LED version only, but can be upgraded to the direct flash plus LED version also. Picture shows simple heatsink, but unit can be used with much more powerful LEDs using bigger heatsinks.

zzffnn wrote: ↑

Tue Mar 02, 2021 7:45 am

Such elegant work, Saul!
Do you plan to sell such finished customized light sources on eBay?
My DIY solution is similar to daruosha (I use prism under condenser to reflect speedlite) and nowhere as elegant as yours.

Thanks Fan !
Yes, it will be on eBay.
Or, if somebody is interested, please PM me

My. What a very good job. Congrats.
Greg

Hi Saul,
Great job!
Best, ADi

ADi wrote: ↑

Thu May 25, 2023 6:28 pm

Hi Saul,
Great job!
Best, ADi

Thanks ADi !
Now it looks a little bit different: https://is.gd/9CPjOI
It comes with a non-PWM dimmable 60W power supply with a voltage indicator and an inline switch that allows you to disconnect the LED at any power level. All models have a fly-eye type collimating/diffusing lens, and the LED has a power output of 27W (110-120 Lm/W) and a high CRI of 97-98. The continuous duty mode is up to 20W , but if you need higher output wattage it can go up to 27-30w
Just have to update my listing photos

Saul