![]() 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. This motor is speedier than Wemacro’s original despite using the same controller, that is another welcomed change.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. I ran a couple of stacks, the motor housing never got too hot. This does not include my previous attempts to improve the Micromate. With shipping costs being considered, I spent a total of around $180 on this system, $200 at most. The used Prior Z-axis focus drive was $60. The Wemacro Micromate package is $229 and the “frame only” package is $149, deducting the two gives $80. ![]() Presumably, the Wemacro controller is $80. In Part 2, I will assemble a proper adaptor and potentially explore ways to lower the controller’s output current. This means the heat is being distributed nicely. The motor housing does not heat up to a point which it is untouchable. Perhaps lowering the current output of the controller will solve this problem. Setting the Stackshot controller to high resolution mode produces a very similar sound. Powering the Wemacro controller, I can now hear a faint squeal which is very annoying. Now, I can tidy up the table, move the microscope to the centre of the optical bench, remove the optical rail block, and deal with the messy cables. Luckily, Prior Scientific offers exactly what I was looking for. No more centring headaches, more space, and cleaner looking. This should in theory address every single problem I have. My ideal solution would be a large tube mounted onto the larger curled coarse focusing knob, which a motor slid in to mate with the fine focusing knob, offering the same focus stacking capabilities, but hanging off the large knob. I would like to mount a digital gauge indicator onto my microscope stage, on the right, which can no longer be achieved. 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. I love my Wemacro Micromate, but similar to everything in life, improvements can be made.
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