This project log is to state what is our "state of the art" for the Flypi:

The system is composed of different modules (below) that can be independently used/mounted depending on the user's needs.

The modules are:

Raspberry pi and arduino with the respective python code and uploaded arduino code - these are the heart of the system. The python code is a GUI that controls the pi-camera (on/off, snapshots, movie recording), sends and listens to commands from the serial port where the arduino is connected. The arduino code does the same on the serial communication side and interacts with the sensors and other electronic bits. (The python GUI still uses some global variables and is in a very scripty format. In the future we would like to turn it more pythonic)

Pi-Camera with lens - The camera allows for complete record of experiments/test runs. So far it can do time-lapse, take snap shots, digital zoom, video recording. Also has a preview mode.

Peltier element, temperature sensor and RGB LED - the peltier uses a independent power supply (we are still working on finding the optimal/cheap/reliable one) and it's circuit is composed of 4 relays, so that we can alternate the direction of current in the peltier, in order to heat or cool the top surface according to our needs. The temperature sensor is placed on top of the peltier and clamped down with a 3D printed part. The reads from the temperature sensor are sent to the python GUI which can be used to start heating up/cooling down the peltier to a desired temperature. The RGB LED is used to indicate visually when the peltier is heating (red), cooling (blue) or at the desired temperature (green)

LED ring (12 LEDS from Adafruit) - Can be used to do optogenetic stimulation, fluorescence activation and to generate light patterns (RGB colours, rotating clockwise/anti-clockwise), as a light source for microscopy mode. Has an extra power supply

LED Matrix (8X8 blue leds adafruit with backpack) - Can also be used for optogenetic stimulation and different light stimulation patterns. Has an extra power supply.

BLUE LED- can be used for optogenetic stimulation and fluorescence activation. Can be nicely fit in the extra lens adaptor for better fluorescence imaging. Also has an external power supply.

NOTE1 except the peltier, all other modules use extra power from a powered USB hub (5V 500mA per module)

Note2 The peltier module still has problems wih overheating after being used for prolonged periods on high (35°C) or low (18°C) temperatures. We are trying to come up with a good solution for it.