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LED substage lighting for stereo scope

Posted: Mon Aug 02, 2021 11:59 pm
by PeteM
Thought I'd share an option to add a transmitted LED light to a stereo microscope. The is fairly cheap (under $100 for all the parts) and easy for anyone with access to either a 3D printer or a metal lathe.

In the past I've used LED "pucks" meant for spot lighting and also tiny light boxes. Recently, fully dimmable Chinese LED lamps actually meant to fit a 90mm stage opening have appeared on Ebay for around $60. These include a dimmable power supply. My implementation is a thin sandwich that includes a stage plate adapter, the LED lamp, a polarizer, and a top plate:
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SMZ-U_LED_Pola_Illuminator.jpg
SMZ-U_LED_Pola_Illuminator.jpg (138.84 KiB) Viewed 5888 times
The "sandwich" consists of:

1) Turned aluminum adapter to fit 95mm stage opening and capture the 90mm LED.

2) The round 90mm LED light box with a cut out in the stage for the cord.

3) Another bit of turned aluminum to nest in the above, carry a large linear camera polarizer, and fit a top glass plate.

4) Polarizer

5) 90mm glass plate to protect the polarizer.
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LED and Pola add-on.jpg
LED and Pola add-on.jpg (102.6 KiB) Viewed 5888 times
LED Pola Glass Sandwich.jpg
LED Pola Glass Sandwich.jpg (80.7 KiB) Viewed 5888 times
Thread another polarizer on the objective and you've added both a transmitted base and polarization to a stereo scope - this quick pix at 20x.
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Chemical Crystals at 20x.JPG
Chemical Crystals at 20x.JPG (84.72 KiB) Viewed 5888 times

Re: LED substage lighting for stereo scope

Posted: Wed Aug 04, 2021 5:04 am
by hans
Nice fabrication, looks professional, and thanks for pointing out those LED stage inserts, I hadn't come across them before.

Re: LED substage lighting for stereo scope

Posted: Wed Aug 04, 2021 5:35 am
by Scarodactyl
That's very neat. I've been planning out a travel scope setup for myself and this looks like it could be a nice addition.

Re: LED substage lighting for stereo scope

Posted: Wed Aug 04, 2021 6:26 am
by PeteM
A travel scope would be a good implementation, thought the variable power supply is about the size of a laptop supply.

Most folks would probably 3D print rather than turn the adapter rings to fit the stand, the LED lamp, the polarizer, and a top glass plate.

These aren't super bright, but did put out enough (and even enough) light to capture things like chemical crystals under crossed polarizers. This is the Ebay supplier I bought from - who has proven reliable on this and other purchases: https://www.ebay.com/itm/320744739657

Re: LED substage lighting for stereo scope

Posted: Sat Apr 09, 2022 1:10 pm
by Hobbyst46
PeteM wrote:
Wed Aug 04, 2021 6:26 am
A travel scope would be a good implementation, thought the variable power supply is about the size of a laptop supply.

Most folks would probably 3D print rather than turn the adapter rings to fit the stand, the LED lamp, the polarizer, and a top glass plate.

These aren't super bright, but did put out enough (and even enough) light to capture things like chemical crystals under crossed polarizers. This is the Ebay supplier I bought from - who has proven reliable on this and other purchases: https://www.ebay.com/itm/320744739657
Thanks for the link, PeteM. What is the thickness of the lamp ? might purchase one for a newly purchased inexpensive Chinese stereoscope for a kid.

Re: LED substage lighting for stereo scope

Posted: Sat Apr 09, 2022 1:29 pm
by imkap
Yes, this is a nice and a simple solution, thank you for the tip...

Your trinocular stereo Nikon looks great

Re: LED substage lighting for stereo scope

Posted: Sat Apr 09, 2022 3:34 pm
by PeteM
Hobbyst46 wrote:
Sat Apr 09, 2022 1:10 pm
Thanks for the link, PeteM. What is the thickness of the lamp ? . . . [/quote]

They're about 7mm or 9/32" thick. The cord can be routed under the stage if you file out a small "U" shape. My assembly is quite a bit thicker in order to add a polarizer.

Re: LED substage lighting for stereo scope

Posted: Sun Apr 10, 2022 12:23 am
by DonSchaeffer
Lovely work.

Re: LED substage lighting for stereo scope

Posted: Mon Jan 29, 2024 8:54 pm
by solos42
Dear Pete
I bought a second hand Nikon SMZ-U stereomicroscope. The light source is pretty bad. There is a plastic thing (94mm) on it like a plate flex. You can see photos. When I saw your solution, I wanted to consult.
I can buy LED lamp from ebay. Will this 90 mm lamp compatible to my microscope? Should I buy a 94 mm lamp?
But how can I obtain stage plate adapter and polarizer?
Is the top plate glass? What is the thickness in mm?
Best regards