# openQCM

> Source page: https://openqcm.com/openqcm
> Markdown version for AI agents and readers of plain text. Site guide: https://openqcm.com/llms.txt · Everything in one file: https://openqcm.com/llms-full.txt

**Heritage instrument**  — openQCM (2014) is no longer in production. These pages are kept for reference and for the open-source community.

[See current devices →](https://openqcm.com/openqcm-devices)

## The original openQCM.

openQCM is ready to be used with quartz crystals in the range from 1 MHz up to 10 MHz (default). It is possible to vary the sensitivity of the system according to your specific purposes — the instrument that started it all.

  [Explore current devices →](https://openqcm.com/openqcm-devices)Specs ↓

![The original openQCM — two open-source quartz crystal microbalance units (blue and orange)](https://openqcm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/openQCM_v1_hero.jpg)

     01 / Overview

### A truly plug-and-play instrument.

One device capable of operating in liquid, air or vacuum, with an integrated temperature sensor. openQCM is ready to be used with quartz crystals from 1 MHz up to 10 MHz (default), and the sensitivity of the system can be varied to suit your own specific purposes.

The control unit is an Arduino Micro, equipped with firmware whose source code can be freely downloaded and edited. The proximity electronics controlling the sensor is designed to be a perfect Arduino Micro shield — an integrated circuit for the control of a wide range of resonance frequencies.

![openQCM quartz crystal holder assembly](https://openqcm.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/2_Quartz_Crystal_Microbalance-holder-quartz-assembly-1-1024x396.jpg)

 openQCM · holder assembly

   02 / Performance

### High stability & accuracy.

openQCM is a real scientific instrument, featuring performance comparable with that of commercial close devices.

   Noise
 down to  *0.1 Hz*

   03 / Specifications

### openQCM specs.

  Dimensions & materials
  Dimensions
 56 × 48 × 34
 mm

  Weight
 55
 g

  Case material
 Nylon

 Electrical
  Power supply
 5 VDC via USB

  Power consumption
 < 0.3
 W

 Software
  Language
 Java

  Platform
 Windows, macOS, Linux

  License
 GNU GPL v3.0

 Communication
  Connector
 micro USB

  I/O
 Serial

 Quartz
  Default frequency
 10
 MHz

  Nominal sensitivity
 down to 4.42 × 10⁻⁹
 g Hz⁻¹ cm⁻²

  Blank diameter
 13.9
 mm

  Electrode material
 Au, Ti substrate

  Crystal cut
 AT-cut

  Holder
 HC-48U

The interface software source code is available to those wishing to engage in its implementation. We offer a clear and intuitive Java interface to make openQCM usable with the most common operating systems — Windows, Linux and macOS.

### Where it all began.

The original openQCM is fully open source. Explore its design, electronics and software — or see the instruments we build today.

  [Explore current devices →](https://openqcm.com/openqcm-devices) [Source on GitHub ↗](https://github.com/openQCM) [Visit the store ↗](https://store.openqcm.com/)

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openQCM by Novaetech S.r.l., Pompeii, Italy · Buy: https://store.openqcm.com/ · Contact: info@openqcm.com · https://openqcm.com/contacts/