Automated Snow Crystal Photographing Stage Variant 14
Automated Snow Crystal Photographing Stage — Arduino-Powered Peltier Cooling & XY Micro-Positioning
Every part needed, pre-tested for compatibility, with an AI build companion trained on this exact project. Shipped from Bengaluru in 3-5 days.
Isolating a single snow crystal for detailed observation requires a stable -15°C platform, micron-level positioning, and split-second camera synchronisation. This kit combines a Peltier thermoelectric cooler, dual stepper-driven XY stage, and an Arduino-triggered relay module to let you build exactly that — a dedicated photographing station fit for fieldwork or a winter lab setup.
What You'll Build
You'll assemble a benchtop stage that holds a glass slide at precisely -15°C using closed-loop DS18B20 feedback. Two NEMA 17 steppers on a CNC shield move the slide in sub-millimetre steps, while a 5V relay fires a DSLR or microscope camera the moment a crystal comes into focus. The final rig lets you scan a fresh snow sample, locate individual hexagonal plates, and trigger an image capture without any manual shake.
What You'll Learn
- Closed-loop Peltier temperature regulation with PWM relay switching
- CNC-level G-code or manual grbl control for dual-axis stepper positioning
- Sensor-triggered camera synchronisation through Arduino relay logic
- Integrating thermal management, motion control, and external device triggering in one embedded system
Kit Contents
| Component | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Arduino Uno R3 | 1 |
| TEC1-12706 Peltier | 1 |
| DS18B20 Waterproof | 1 |
| NEMA 17 Stepper | 2 |
| A4988 Driver | 2 |
| 5V Relay Module | 1 |
| CNC Shield V3 | 1 |
| 12V 5A PSU | 1 |
| 100nF Caps | 10 |
| PCB Prototype Board | 2 |
| Soldering Iron | 1 |
| Solder Wire | 1 |
Why Buy This Kit Instead of Sourcing Parts Separately
| Factor | Sourcing Separately | Compoden Kit |
|---|---|---|
| Compatibility checks | You verify every part | Pre-tested as a system |
| Build support | Forums and scattered tutorials | AI companion trained on this exact project |
| Time to first working build | Days of debugging | Hours, with step-by-step guidance |
| Shipping coordination | Multiple sellers, multiple delays | One shipment from Bengaluru in 3-5 days |
Who This Kit Is For
B.Tech ECE/EEE students taking up winter project electives or Smart India Hackathon weather challenges will find the thermal-mechatronic integration right on target. Makers at ATL Tinkering Labs with advanced prototyping experience, and IIT/NIT/VIT/BITS research groups exploring crystal morphology, can use this station as a base for higher-level image analysis.
Built and Backed by Compoden
Every Compoden kit ships with an AI build companion trained on this exact project — accessible via a QR code on the box, with WhatsApp and email backup. We've spent 10 years building projects for makers, schools, and institutions across India. If a part fails because of a manufacturing defect, replace it free within 7 days.
What if I get stuck during the build?
Open the AI companion from the QR code, or send a message on WhatsApp. It can walk you through wiring the DS18B20, calibrating the A4988 current, or debugging the relay trigger logic.
Does the stage work with a smartphone camera instead of a DSLR?
Yes, the relay output can trigger any camera with a suitable remote shutter port or IR trigger. The AI companion includes notes on adapting the camera interface for smartphone microscope adapters.
How cold does the Peltier stage really get under load?
With the supplied 12V 5A PSU and decent heatsinking, the TEC1-12706 can hold a small glass slide at -15°C in ambient temperatures down to 5°C. The DS18B20 feedback loop modulates the relay to maintain that setpoint within ±1°C.
Can I reprogram the Arduino for automatic scanning patterns?
Absolutely. The CNC Shield runs grbl, so you can script G-code sequences to raster-scan the slide and trigger captures at preset grid points. The AI companion shares sample scripts for common search patterns.
Peltier-cooled stage at -15°C + stepper XY positioner + camera trigger captures individual snow crystals.
What's in this kit
- Arduino Uno R3
- TEC1-12706 Peltier
- DS18B20 Waterproof
- NEMA 17 Stepper x2
- A4988 Driver x2
- 5V Relay Module
- CNC Shield V3
- 12V 5A PSU
- 100nF Caps x10
- PCB Prototype Board x2
- Soldering Iron
- Solder Wire
Choose your assembly option:
- Soldering Kit — 25W soldering iron, 60/40 solder wire, flux, and small perfboard for permanent assembly.
- Breadboard Combo — 800-point full-size breadboard with 65-piece jumper wire pack for solderless prototyping.
Shipping Information
- Prepaid Orders: ₹75 for orders up to ₹999, FREE shipping above ₹999
- COD Orders: ₹125 shipping + ₹50 COD fee = ₹175 total
- Delivery Timeline: Dispatch in 1-2 days, delivery in 2-7 days depending on location
Returns & Warranty
- 7-Day Return: Manufacturing defects only (approval required)
- Warranty: 7 days from delivery
- Non-Returnable: Batteries, consumables, cut wires, clearance items