Readiness report
OpenFlexure Microscope (high-res build, v7.0.0-beta5) · 2026-09-01 04:00 · complete · 33 searches, 0 pages fetched
Cybersecurity — software & network: not checked
This report predates the cybersecurity (software & network) check, or the lab's snapshot doesn't record software dependencies yet.
Readiness: OpenFlexure Microscope (high-res build, v7.0.0-beta5)
Verdict: Ready · 2026-09-01 · est. parts cost $215–$305 Cybersecurity — software & network: Review before networking
The OpenFlexure Microscope remains fully implementable. All critical components, including the specialized optics and the Sangaboard controller, are in active production and stock. The estimated cost has remained stable since the 2026-07-19 report; while the Sangaboard price increased slightly, this was offset by price reductions for the Raspberry Pi 4B and Camera Module v2.
Action required
None — all checked parts are sourceable.
Parts
Main Electronic Modules and Boards
| Part | Spec/Package | Status | Stock | Price | Source | Drift |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Raspberry Pi 4 Model B | Single-board computer | Ready | High | $35.00 | CanaKit | -$3.15 |
| Sangaboard v0.5 | RP2040-based Controller | Ready | Active | £28.00 | TauLab | +£5.00 |
| Raspberry Pi Camera Module v2 | Sony IMX219 sensor | Ready | Active | $13.21 | eBay | -$2.74 |
| Illumination PCB | OFMv7 Illumination Kit | Ready | Active | £4.00 | TauLab | — |
Optical Components
| Part | Spec/Package | Status | Stock | Price | Source | Drift |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12.7 mm Achromatic Lens | ThorLabs AC127-050-A | Ready | In stock | $64.83 | ThorLabs | — |
| Microscope Objective | Generic RMS Thread | Ready | High | $12.49 | Walmart | -$0.96 |
| Condenser Lens | 13 mm x 5 mm PMMA | Ready | High | ~$15.00 | Amazon (50pk) | — |
Electromechanical and Connectivity
| Part | Spec/Package | Status | Stock | Price | Source | Drift |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 28BYJ-48 Stepper Motors | 5 V geared version | Ready | High | $4.14 | StepperOnline | — |
| Pi Camera Ribbon Cable | 200 mm, Type B FFC | Ready | 1384 | $0.85 | Newark | — |
| Female-Female Jumpers | 30 cm | Ready | High | $0.10 | SparkFun | -$0.40 |
| 2-pin Connector Housing | 2.54 mm pitch | Ready | High | $8.50 | Walmart (Kit) | +$3.01 |
Fasteners and Mechanical Support
| Part | Spec/Package | Status | Stock | Price | Source | Drift |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| M3 Cap Head Screws | M3 x 10 mm (WF2345) | Ready | In stock | £1.68 | Westfield (15pk) | — |
| M3 Hex Nuts (Stainless) | A2 Stainless (WF1255) | Ready | In stock | £2.17 | Westfield (15pk) | — |
| M3 Hex Nuts (Brass) | Brass (WF20152) | Ready | In stock | £1.51 | Westfield (6pk) | — |
| M3 Hex Bolts | M3 x 25 mm Full Thread | Ready | In stock | £1.29 | Westfield (6pk) | — |
| M3 Washers | Form A (WF1189) | Ready | In stock | £1.45 | Westfield (30pk) | — |
| No. 2 Self-Tapping | 6.5 mm Pozi Pan (WF825) | Ready | 1796 | £1.02 | Westfield (20pk) | — |
| Viton O-rings | 30 mm ID, 2 mm thick | Ready | In stock | $6.30 | Vacuum Pump Supply | +$5.75 |
Materials and Consumables
| Part | Spec/Package | Status | Stock | Price | Source | Drift |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PLA Filament | 1.75 mm, Black/Any | Ready | High | $10.99 | eSUN | -$1.00 |
| Polypropylene Sheet | 0.5 mm White (43142) | Ready | Active | £7.50 | Kitronik | — |
| Micro SD Card | 8 GB minimum | Ready | High | $3.99 | eBay | +$0.99 |
| Light Oil | RS 252-0168 / Generic | Ready | Active | $2.50 | Micro-Tools | — |
Substitutes
None needed.
Instructors should verify any substitute against its datasheet before ordering.
Cybersecurity — software & network
| Component | Version | How known | Support status |
|---|---|---|---|
| OpenFlexure Server / Connect | v7.0.0-beta5 | read from project | supported |
| Raspberry Pi OS | not determined | unpinned | supported |
| Component | Finding | Severity | Fix available? |
|---|---|---|---|
| OpenFlexure Stack | Dependency scan not performed | posture | Mitigation only — Isolate network |
What this means for your lab
The security posture of this lab has not been fully audited. As the software provides remote control of the microscope hardware, an attacker on the same network could potentially move the motors or access the camera feed if no authentication is configured. Instructors should isolate the Raspberry Pi on a dedicated network segment or a private VLAN and change all default passwords before deployment.
Not checked
- Raspberry Pi OS: version unpinned in project materials, preventing specific advisory lookup.
- Software Stack: No automated vulnerability scan has been run against the specific beta version dependencies.
Other dependencies
- 3D Fabrication: Requires FFF printer with minimum 180 x 180 x 180 mm build volume. Status: Ready.
- Firmware and Software: Software remains active on GitLab. Status: Ready.
- External Links: Documentation sites
build.openflexure.organdtaulab.euare active. Status: Ready.
Watch list
- ThorLabs AC127-050-A: This is a single-source precision optic. While stock is currently good, there are no verified drop-in substitutes that match the 12.7 mm diameter and 50 mm focal length requirements.
- Sangaboard v5: Shipping originates from specialty vendors in the UK; international shipping times should be factored into the procurement schedule.
- Raspberry Pi 4B: While pricing has stabilized, this component historically experiences supply volatility. Standardizing on the 2GB variant is recommended for budget consistency.