project based on research from me (@V_saggiomo) and Benedict Diederich (@beniroquai)

*update April 2023 - we are testing external (battery-powered) LED. These LEDs are usually used for decorations, can be on for 2 weeks, and are quite cheap. See for example "LIHAO mini LED". Using these LEDs we have obtained a bit more contrast than the standard periscope, and we don't heat the ESP32 using the onboard LED. The clear glass can be scratched with some sandpaper to make the light more homogeneous.

the file is: Matchboxscope_VCM_v1_Matchboxscope_Lightperiscope_externalLED12mm_v3 

This microscope is very very small (and very cheap). Besides the ESP32-CAM it only needs 3D printed components, screws, and a couple of magnets (or optional springs). 

The ESP32 microscope just needs some juice from USB and can work using a powerbank. It has wifi capabilities and it can live stream to whatever device you want :)

The magnets are used to moving the Z stage and focus. 

Super useful for observing critters in the water, on the spot. 

guide and software here: [https://github.com/Matchboxscope/Matchboxscope/blob/master/Matchboxscope.md](https://github.com/Matchboxscope/Matchboxscope/blob/master/Matchboxscope.md) 

and for the firmware: [https://matchboxscope.github.io](https://matchboxscope.github.io) 

 a small video of its capability (spot the tardigrade): 

and a very long video building instructions: