Raspberry Pi Spectrometer

I ordered a Pi zero 2 W, and installed the software.

Due to limited RAM, some dependencies needed to be installed with : --no-cache-dir

For example: pip3 install pip install scipy --no-cache-dir

Other then that, I am happy to report the software is perfectly usable on the Pi Zero 2W!

It runs a little toasty. Running the software over x11vnc, at a room Temp of 22.3C, I was seeing temps of 62C after 5 minutes of running. A heastsink and/or fan is probably a good idea.

Although the project as it stands is Finished in that it performs the requirements I originally set out, I have had some feedback on potential avenues for further work including:

• Upgrading the camera system (Potential candidate already on order)
• Ability to plot spectrum against time (spectrogram or waterfall display and export the data) I will have to think carefully about how best to do this. Feedback is welcome!

I just ordered a new camera to test: Arducam OV9281 1MP Mono Global Shutter MIPI Camera for the Raspberry Pi.

If the tests with Debayered cameras are anything to go by, I am hoping for some really nice results with this, namely better spectral response and better resolving ability for things like Fraunhoffer lines.

Of course,  this will drive up the cost of the project a little and may require some tinkering with the software, but the returns might well be worth it.

i will post again in here once it arrives and I have done some tests.

The build instructions are updated, and a short 5 minute intro video added to the project.

The build instructions also contain the three YouTube videos, if you prefer to watch something rather than read about it!

Updated parts list has been added if you wish to build the miniature version.

Links have been provided as a "Shopping list" for your convenience. Note, I am not affiliated with any suppliers!

You can find the Links in the Project description, and on GitHub if you prefer: https://github.com/leswright1977/PySpectrometer

Glad to see people are interested in this project and doing their own things with it!

mash.m designed 3D printed parts! Check it out:

https://www.tinkercad.com/things/fz8NYdaUxby

https://www.tinkercad.com/things/basXpPEWYCm

mash.m also designed a 3D Print for the mini version, for those of you who own a 3D printer!

https://www.tinkercad.com/things/fz8NYdaUxby

The 3 youtube videos (Py Spectrometer, Software update, and Miniature spectrometer) have been added to GitHub, so they are easier to find for those who want to build this.

If you are really, really interested, there is  spin-off project here, where I debayer a picam with a laser!!!!

A miniature version of this projet has been built Weighing in at just 51 g: