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openUC2 XIAO Microscope (Seeed Collaboration)

The openUC2 XIAO Microscope is a revolutionary collaboration with Seeed Studio that makes high-quality, automated microscopy accessible to everyone. This compact, powerful device is ideal for hackers, optics newcomers, and biologists, offering more functionality than standard USB microscopes.

Key Features​

Powerful Camera​

Equipped with ESP32-S3 and OV2560 sensor for high-resolution image streaming. Supports Arduino and CircuitPython programming.

Micrometer-Precise Focus​

Metal-based focusing mechanism ensures precise objective lens movement with support for motorized focus stacking and automation.

Robust Power Design​

Solid housing ensures reliability for everyday field research and classroom use.

Swappable Objectives​

Easily change magnifications with standard RMS-compatible microscope objectives to observe samples from different angles.

Customized Firmware​

Utilizes TinyML for on-the-fly image processing directly on the MCU. Integrates sensors and hardware for automated experiments.

What You'll Learn​

  • ESP32-based microscopy system programming
  • Automated image acquisition and processing
  • PCB electronics for microscopy
  • Firmware flashing and customization
  • Mobile microscopy applications
  • Focus stacking techniques
  • Time-lapse microscopy

Tutorials in this Section​

  • XIAO Microscope Overview - Complete introduction to the system and its capabilities
  • PCB Electronics - Understanding the electronic design
  • Repair and Maintenance - Troubleshooting and fixing common issues
  • App Development - Creating custom applications for automated experiments

Key Capabilities​

  • Autonomous operation with SD card storage
  • Automated time-lapse imaging
  • Auto-focusing algorithms
  • High-resolution image streaming
  • On-device image processing with TinyML
  • Battery-powered field operation
  • Compact and portable design

Applications​

  • Field biology and ecology studies
  • Educational microscopy in classrooms
  • Maker projects and DIY automation
  • Remote monitoring experiments
  • Automated plant growth studies
  • Long-term time-lapse imaging
  • Portable research microscopy

Technical Specifications​

  • Camera: ESP32-S3 with OV2560 sensor
  • Focus: Motorized with precise metal mechanism
  • Power: USB-C, supports battery operation
  • Storage: SD card for autonomous image storage
  • Objectives: RMS-compatible, swappable
  • Programming: Arduino, CircuitPython, custom firmware
  • Size: Compact enough to fit in a backpack

Perfect for educators, students, field researchers, and makers who need a portable, powerful, and programmable microscopy solution!

Getting Started​

First step: Flash the latest firmware at https://matchboxscope.github.io/firmware/FLASH.html

For questions and support, visit the openUC2 forum: openuc2.discourse.group