Diego Silva

DIY lighting, 3D-printed mounts, upcycled parts, maker solutions

5Articles

3Categories

About

Maker and community volunteer who loves turning thrift finds and 3D prints into capable microscope add-ons. I help readers stretch budgets without sacrificing function.

Core Beliefs

Ingenuity beats price tags when the build is safe and testable.

Background

Years ago I needed oblique lighting but had twenty dollars. I raided a recycle bin, printed a clip-on diffuser, and soldered a buck driver to thrift LEDs. The result wasn't pretty, but detail popped and heat dropped. That project convinced me: smart DIY unlocks serious microscopy without serious cash.

Perspective

I favor open-source designs and low-cost parts over proprietary systems.

Author Articles

Phase Contrast vs Darkfield: Pick Best for Biological Visualization

Learn when to use phase contrast or darkfield to reveal living cell detail, with DIY setups, budget tips, and a simple decision framework for your specimens.

4th Dec•

D. S.Diego Silva

Fluorescence Microscopy Accessories: Cost-Effective Setup Guide

Build a safe, low-cost fluorescence setup with DIY filter cubes, LED lighting, and phone imaging - clear parts lists, step-by-steps, and safety tips.

23rd Oct•

D. S.Diego Silva

Budget-Friendly Histology Microscope Accessories Guide

Upgrade histology workflows on a budget with tested under-$100 accessories, a $35 tissue bath build, LED conversions, and alignment hacks for clearer images.

18th Oct•

D. S.Diego Silva

AR Microscopy Integrates With Any Scope: Low-Cost Guide

Turn a standard microscope into an AR viewer using low-cost parts. Get a parts list, safety tips, step-by-step setup, calibration, and practical uses.

16th Oct•

D. S.Diego Silva