{"product_id":"kit-automated-snow-crystal-photographing-stage-v14","title":"Automated Snow Crystal Photographing Stage Variant 14","description":"\u003ch1\u003eAutomated Snow Crystal Photographing Stage — Arduino-Powered Peltier Cooling \u0026amp; XY Micro-Positioning\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\n\u003cp class=\"value-summary\"\u003eEvery part needed, pre-tested for compatibility, with an AI build companion trained on this exact project. Shipped from Bengaluru in 3-5 days.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"specs-strip\"\u003e\n  \u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDifficulty:\u003c\/strong\u003e Advanced\u003c\/span\u003e\n  \u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBuild Time:\u003c\/strong\u003e 6-8 hrs\u003c\/span\u003e\n  \u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAge:\u003c\/strong\u003e 18-21\u003c\/span\u003e\n  \u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSkill:\u003c\/strong\u003e Precision mechatronics \u0026amp; thermal control\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIsolating 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhat You'll Build\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYou'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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhat You'll Learn\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eClosed-loop Peltier temperature regulation with PWM relay switching\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eCNC-level G-code or manual grbl control for dual-axis stepper positioning\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eSensor-triggered camera synchronisation through Arduino relay logic\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eIntegrating thermal management, motion control, and external device triggering in one embedded system\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eKit Contents\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n  \u003cthead\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eComponent\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eQuantity\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\u003c\/thead\u003e\n  \u003ctbody\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eArduino Uno R3\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTEC1-12706 Peltier\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDS18B20 Waterproof\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNEMA 17 Stepper\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e2\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eA4988 Driver\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e2\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e5V Relay Module\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCNC Shield V3\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e12V 5A PSU\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e100nF Caps\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e10\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePCB Prototype Board\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e2\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSoldering Iron\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSolder Wire\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n  \u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy Buy This Kit Instead of Sourcing Parts Separately\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n  \u003cthead\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eFactor\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eSourcing Separately\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eCompoden Kit\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\u003c\/thead\u003e\n  \u003ctbody\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCompatibility checks\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eYou verify every part\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePre-tested as a system\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBuild support\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eForums and scattered tutorials\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAI companion trained on this exact project\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTime to first working build\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDays of debugging\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eHours, with step-by-step guidance\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eShipping coordination\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMultiple sellers, multiple delays\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOne shipment from Bengaluru in 3-5 days\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n  \u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWho This Kit Is For\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eB.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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eBuilt and Backed by Compoden\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEvery 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cdetails\u003e\u003csummary\u003eWhat if I get stuck during the build?\u003c\/summary\u003e\u003cp\u003eOpen 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003cdetails\u003e\u003csummary\u003eDoes the stage work with a smartphone camera instead of a DSLR?\u003c\/summary\u003e\u003cp\u003eYes, 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003cdetails\u003e\u003csummary\u003eHow cold does the Peltier stage really get under load?\u003c\/summary\u003e\u003cp\u003eWith 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003cdetails\u003e\u003csummary\u003eCan I reprogram the Arduino for automatic scanning patterns?\u003c\/summary\u003e\u003cp\u003eAbsolutely. 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/details\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"kit-description\"\u003e\n  \u003cp\u003ePeltier-cooled stage at -15°C + stepper XY positioner + camera trigger captures individual snow crystals.\u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003ch4\u003eWhat's in this kit\u003c\/h4\u003e\n  \u003cul\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/uno-r3-ch340g-atmega328p-board-arduino-compatible\"\u003eArduino Uno R3\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eTEC1-12706 Peltier\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/ds18b20-waterproof-temperature-sensor-probe-55c-to-125c\"\u003eDS18B20 Waterproof\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/nema-17-stepper-motor-18-step-045nm-bipolar\"\u003eNEMA 17 Stepper\u003c\/a\u003e x2\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/a4988-stepper-motor-driver-module-with-microstepping-control\"\u003eA4988 Driver\u003c\/a\u003e x2\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/4-channel-relay-board-for-esp32-30-pin-5v-control\"\u003e5V Relay Module\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/cnc-shield-v3-for-arduino-4-axis-stepper-motor-driver-board\"\u003eCNC Shield V3\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/xkc-y26-pnp-5-12v-non-contact-liquid-level-sensor\"\u003e12V 5A PSU\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/capacitor-variety-pack-6-values-100nf-to-470uf-30-pieces\"\u003e100nF Caps\u003c\/a\u003e x10\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/esp-wroom-32-breakout-board-pcb-55x52mm\"\u003ePCB Prototype Board\u003c\/a\u003e x2\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/soldering-kit-25w-with-solder-wire-flux-paste-compoden\"\u003eSoldering Iron\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/soldering-kit-25w-with-solder-wire-flux-paste-compoden\"\u003eSolder Wire\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003cscript type=\"application\/ld+json\"\u003e\n{\n  \"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\",\n  \"@type\": \"FAQPage\",\n  \"mainEntity\": [\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"Question\",\n      \"name\": \"What is included in the Automated Snow Crystal Photographing Stage Variant 14?\",\n      \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n        \"text\": \"The Automated Snow Crystal Photographing Stage Variant 14 includes all components needed: Arduino Uno R3, TEC1-12706 Peltier, DS18B20 Waterproof, NEMA 17 Stepper, A4988 Driver and more. Everything is pre-tested for compatibility and shipped from Bengaluru, India.\"\n      }\n    },\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"Question\",\n      \"name\": \"What skill level is required for the Automated Snow Crystal Photographing Stage Variant 14?\",\n      \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n        \"text\": \"This kit is designed for Advanced level makers, suitable for ages 18-21. Peltier-cooled stage at -15°C + stepper XY positioner + camera trigger captures individual snow crystals. Estimated build time is 6-8 hrs.\"\n      }\n    },\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"Question\",\n      \"name\": \"Can I buy the Automated Snow Crystal Photographing Stage Variant 14 online in India?\",\n      \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n        \"text\": \"Yes, the Automated Snow Crystal Photographing Stage Variant 14 is available online at Compoden (compoden.in), India's AI-powered electronics and robotics store. Ships from Bengaluru in 1-5 business days across India.\"\n      }\n    }\n  ]\n}\n\u003c\/script\u003e\n\n\u003cscript type=\"application\/ld+json\"\u003e\n{\n  \"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\",\n  \"@type\": \"Product\",\n  \"name\": \"Automated Snow Crystal Photographing Stage Variant 14\",\n  \"description\": \"Peltier-cooled stage at -15°C + stepper XY positioner + camera trigger captures individual snow crystals.\",\n  \"sku\": \"CDN-KIT-0198\",\n  \"brand\": {\"@type\": \"Brand\", \"name\": \"Compoden\"},\n  \"offers\": {\n    \"@type\": \"Offer\",\n    \"url\": \"https:\/\/compoden.in\/products\/kit-automated-snow-crystal-photographing-stage-v14\",\n    \"priceCurrency\": \"INR\",\n    \"price\": \"6430\",\n    \"availability\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\/InStock\",\n    \"seller\": {\"@type\": \"Organization\", \"name\": \"Compoden\"}\n  },\n  \"category\": \"Weather \u0026 Environment\"\n}\n\u003c\/script\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChoose your assembly option:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSoldering Kit\u003c\/strong\u003e — 25W soldering iron, 60\/40 solder wire, flux, and small perfboard for permanent assembly.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBreadboard Combo\u003c\/strong\u003e — 800-point full-size breadboard with 65-piece jumper wire pack for solderless prototyping.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Compoden","offers":[{"title":"Soldering Kit","offer_id":53459773391213,"sku":"CDN-KIT-0198-SLD","price":6700.0,"currency_code":"INR","in_stock":true},{"title":"Breadboard Combo","offer_id":53459773423981,"sku":"CDN-KIT-0198-BB","price":6170.0,"currency_code":"INR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0999\/3997\/5533\/files\/kit-automated-snow-crystal-photographing-stage-v14.png?v=1781944300","url":"https:\/\/compoden.com\/products\/kit-automated-snow-crystal-photographing-stage-v14","provider":"Compoden","version":"1.0","type":"link"}