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About openQCM NEXT

openQCM NEXT

The open Source QCM with temperature Control and multiple overtones measurement

openQCMNEXT is the advanced Quartz Crystal Microbalance with dissipation monitoring, active temperature control and the capability to acquire multiple overtones simultaneously.
The instrument design is completely re-engineered, by using new materials which take into account the chemical compatibility with most of the samples.

: Quartz Crystal Microbalance with dissipation monitoring, active thermal control and simultaneous multiple overtone measurement shole vision

: Quartz Crystal Microbalance with dissipation monitoring, active thermal control and simultaneous multiple overtone measurement back view

: Quartz Crystal Microbalance with dissipation monitoring, active thermal control and simultaneous multiple overtone measurement side view and tilted heatisink

: Quartz Crystal Microbalance with dissipation monitoring, active thermal control and simultaneous multiple overtone measurement side view

We have kept in mind thermal performances by designing each mechanical component of openQCM NEXT from scratch

OpenQCM NEXT design is the synthesis of all feedback received from the scientific community. We have come up with a characteristic bridge design, realised with the aim of maximising the thermal dissipation and electrical interferences of the electronics.

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openQCM Wi2 Tech Specs

openQCM Wi2

Dimensions: 66 x 50 x 26 mm
Weight: 43 g
Case Material: Nylon

Materials: PMMA or PTFE
Other materials: upon request
14 mm internal volume: 50 µL
25.4 mm internal volume: 200 µL (above the sensor)
O-ring: FKM

Materials: PMMA or PTFE
Other materials: upon request
Sample volume: range from 10 μl to 100 μl
O-ring: FKM

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openQCM Tech Specs

openQCM Wi2 Electronics

openQCM Wi2

More resolution and stability

openQCM Wi2 exploits the potentiality and simplicity of the Teensy microcontoller, an arduino compatible development board equipped with a 32 bit ARM processor. The electronic circuit is based on a high precision quartz crystal oscillator which automatically tracks in the frequency changes. The new openQCM Wi2 electronics is now capable of measuring frequency up to 65 MHz, allowing you to use a wide range of quartz sensors with different sensitivities

The core of the electronic

The SN74LVC1GX04 is designed for creating a crystal oscillator circuit with a buffered square-wave output. According to Pierce’s oscillator topology, the first inverter is used as a linear amplifier for crystal oscillator and the last three inverters guarantees a fast edge square-wave at the output.

The Teensy 3.2 Microcontroller

Frequency is measured using the library FreqCount, which counts the number of pulses during a fixed time using the microprocessor hardware timer. This procedure works very well at high frequencies, because many cycles can be counted during gate interval. Typical gate time interval is set to 1 second. Teeny 3.2 is capable to measure frequency from 1 kHz up to 65 MHz.

Optional Wi-Fi module

Thanks to the integration of the add-on module based on ESP8266 you can add internet to openQCM Wi2 device. ESP8266 module is an highly-integrated 80 MHz Wi-Fi microcontroller operating both as an access point and as a client. It has a TCP/IP stack with DNS support giving to the Teensy microcontroller Wi-Fi ability. This add-on module will give you the ability to monitor your experiment through any mobile device connected to your network.

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FAQ – openQCM Wi2

FAQ Menu

Design and Hardware

Which is the diameter of the inlet – outlet holes of the window cell?

The openQCM window cell has two holes for tubing connection in application with liquids. If you look closely at openQCM cell window, you can see that the holes are slightly different. One of them is larger than the other. The dimensions of the of the inlet and outlet holes are the following:

Inlet dimensions – larger hole
ID = 0.9 mm
OD = 1.8 mm
Outlet dimensions – smaller hole
ID = 0.6 mm
OD = 1.6 mm

The precision machining is mainly due to the CNC milling machine that we used for making the window cell.

openQCM window cell inlet – outlet holes

Which is the best kind of tubing for application with liquids ?

We generally use Tygon® 2375-C high-purity tubing, manufacturer Saint-Gobain part number AJK00002. You can find the tubing technical specifications here

The tubing feautures chemical resistance, clarity and flexibility. They are also unaffected by acids, bases, ketons, slats and alcohols

Which is the best outer and inner diameter of tubing ?

You should use tubing whose outer diameter is OD = 3.2 mm and internal diameter is ID = 1.6 mm.

If you are using openQCM with a peristaltic pump we suggest to use a smaller tube for the one in the peristaltic pump, for example Tygon tubung ID = 0.51 mm. Actually you can reduce the frequency fluctuations by reducing the tube diameter in the peristaltic pump.

Can I use openQCM with a peristaltic pump ?

Yes of course you can ! openQCM is very effective in application with flowing liquids.
You can use the peristaltic liquid pump designed by Adafruit product id:1150. It works quite fine with openQCM. You should use an external power supply at 12VDC and connect inlet – outlet tubing for flowing the sample into the openQCM measurement chamber.

What is the material of the 3D printed openQCM case ?

The openQCM 3D printed case is made in Nylon strong and flexible plastic. This material is very adaptable, it is dishwasher safe and heatproof to 80℃ / 176℉ degrees. You can find the material datasheet here and design guidelines here

What is the thermal properties of the openQCM hardware case ?

The openQCM hardware case is 3D-printed using Nylon material. It is heatproof to 80°C and higher temperatures may significantly change material properties. The case material datasheet is available at this link

The window cell is made in Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), Plexiglas trade name. The melting point is about 150° C, also you need to pay attention to the coefficient of thermal expansion which is roughly αV = (5–10)×10−5 K−1

The couple of O-rings in the measurement chamber is made in Silicone temperature range -60 to +200°C RS Stock No.527-9790 Brand RS Mfr. Part No.BS011 SIL70 The O-ring datasheet is available at this link

Electronics

What is the temperature range of the Arduino and openQCM shield ?

It is recommended to use the Arduino board and the openQCM shield in the working temperature range -40°C to 85°.

Where does exactly the I2C T Sensor measures the temperature

The I2C T sensor actually measures the temperature inside the openQCM device. In fact the sensor is embedded in the openQCM shield inside the hardware case, between the arduino micro and quartz crystal sensor. It is important to monitoring the temperature because the quartz sensor frequency depends on the variations in temperature.

Frequency behaviour

Why my frequency baseline are drifiting sometime?

Commonly, in a well set system the drifts are negligible.

In any way, the drift can occur for a number of different reasons.
The most common cause is due to temperature variations. For this reason openQCM mounts a temperature sensor, by which it is possible to verify in real time experimental thermal conditions.

General Questions

Is openQCM to all effects an high quality scientific instrument?

Absolutely yes! Despite openQCM is a low-cost device its accuracy and stability is fully comparable with most common scientific devices today present in the market.

openQCM is designed by a research team with years of experience in the mass sensors development. As matter of fact, openQCM team collaborate at calibration of QCMs onboard the ESA-ROSETTA space mission and developed a lot of scientific qcm and MEMS devices for space, biology, electrochemistry applications, etc.

Can I use openQCM in air or vacuum?

openQCM is a Quartz Crystal Microbalance whose design was conceived for use in air, in liquid and in vacuum. If you want to use the device in gaseous environment it is sufficient to remove the magnetic sealing chamber. So you will be able to use openQCM without further modification.

Can I use openQCM for educational purposes?

The high affordable cost and its easy of use makes openQCM the best choice for educational purposes. For degree student or for every level of school, this Quartz Crystal Microbalance device will increase the learning experience.

Software

The Arduino COM port is not recongnized. What should I do ?

You should update the Arduino driver. You can download the Arduino driver at this link drivers-arduinoIDE-1.0.6-x86.zip Unzip the folder and install the drivers.

Windows 8 OS driver digitally signed known issue
Sometimes Arduino is not recognized by Windows 8, because the driver is not digitally signed. In this case you should follow this tutorial.

I can’t upload the Arduino firmware. What should I do ?

Firstly you should verify that the Arduino driver is correctly installed on your computer.
If the Arduino driver is ok, in order to upload the openQCM arduino skecth you should add the external library FreqCount developed by Paul Stoffregen. Download the FreqCount library at this link and follow the Arduino guide Installing Additional Arduino Libraries in order to install the library.

Is openQCM software cross-platform ?

Yes it is. openQCM application software runs on the most common operating system Windows, Mac and Linux. For more info please follow the installation guide

General Questions

Is openQCM to all effects an high quality scientific instrument?

Absolutely yes! Despite openQCM is a low-cost device its accuracy and stability is fully comparable with most common scientific devices today present in the market.

Can I use openQCM in air or vacuum?

Can I use openQCM for educational purposes?

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About openQCM Wi2

openQCM Wi2

Exploiting the power of simplicity in high accuracy scientific measurements

openQCM Wi2 is the new OSH instrument based on Quartz Crystal Microbalance. As well as improving performance and extending the possibilities of use, Wi2 is the unique IoT scientific device using an optional ESP8266 Wi-Fi module that allows you to monitor your experiments anywhere in your lab network.

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STOP WALKING AROUND THE LAB

openQCM Wi2 has an integrate footprint where you can connect, via TX/RX pins, your custom Wi-Fi module. So you can control your experiment remotely, within your network.
Not only can you control your experiment with your smartphone or tablet, but you can also solve any problems related to the integration of your instrument in special testing conditions or otherwise unreachable environments.

One measuring cell for all devices

The new openQCM fluidic cell module was born after more than three years of confrontation with the scientific community and is the synthesis of the most important needs we have experienced:

– pogo-pin sensor contacts;
– multi quartz dimension compatibility;
– multi-frequency housing compatibility;
– fine regulation of O-ring pressure;
– Integrated temperature sensor;
– magnetic backreaction to sealing;

An entire laboratory in one hand

Every detail has been studied to simplify the experimental activities of the researcher. Modularity, multi-sensor hosting, optional wireless connection for control of intra-network measurements.

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Increase your range of sensitivity

Thanks to its new Teensy microcontroller, openQCM Wi2 is now capable of measuring frequencies up to 25 MHz, allowing you to use a wide range of quartz sensors with different sensitivities.

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About openQCM Q-1

openQCM Q^-1

The first open-hardware scientific inStrument ready for soft matter Research

openQCM Q^-1 is the first QCM open hardware instrument suitable for simultaneously Frequency and Dissipation monitoring in a wide range of overtones. A surface sensitive technology for monitoring mass variations and viscoelastic properties at molecular scale.

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Sweeping around resonance frequency

How openQCM Q^-1acquires resonance curves in order to monitor the dissipation effect.

We designed keeping in mind the concept of modularity

The modular design give us the maximum flexibility for future improvements. For example, it would be easier to modify the original main electronic design, based on the feedback coming from the scientific community, without the need to change the whole device.

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About openQCM

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openQCM

A truly Plug and PLay Instrument

OpenQCM is ready to be used with quartz crystals in the range from 1 MHz up to 10 MHz (default). It’s possible to vary the sensitivity of the system according own specific purposes.

One only device capable to operate in liquid, air or vacuum.

An integrated temperature sensor.

The control unit is an Arduino Micro. It is equipped with firmware for which the source code can be freely downloaded and editated. The proximity electronics controlling sensors is designed to be a perfect Arduino Micro shield. It’s an integrated circuit for the control of a wide range of resonance frequencies.

high stability and accuracy

openQCM is a real scientific instrument featuring performances comparable with those of commercial "close devices"

Dimensions: 56 x 48 x 34 mm
Weight: 55 g
Case Material: Nylon

Power Supply: 5VDC via USB
Power consumption: < 0.3 W

Language: Java
Platform: Win, Mac, Linux
License:GNU GPL v3.0

Connector: micro USB
I/O: Serial

Default frequency: 10 MHz
Nominal sensitivity: down to 4.42 x 10 -9 g Hz-1 cm-2
Blank diameter: 13.9mm
Electrode material: Au, Ti substrate
Crystal cut: AT-cut
Holder: HC-48U

The interface software source code is available to those wishing to engage to its implementation. We offer a clear and intuitive Java interface, in order to make possible the use of openQCM with the most common operating systems (Windows, Linux and Mac OS X).

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Quartz Crystal Microbalance openQCM: our first test

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As already mentioned, we have just completed the design and the electronic optimization of the Quartz Crystal Microbalance openQCM. At the moment we already have 2 working devices. So, we are very glad to show the first test in liquid environment.

In order to demonstrate the real behavior of the system we have preferred to make a video. In my opinion is the best way to highlight the openQCM performances. Furthermore, it is a good opportunity to view the Java software in action!

openQCM is a system designed for working both in air in liquid environments, the latter being the most challenging in terms of frequency noise and oscillator circuit design. The main aim of the experimental test are measuring:

The frequency signal stability in air and liquid environments;
The typical system equilibrium time after the liquid injection.

We chose to report raw data without any kind of data processing. This is very important for the evaluation of the performances of a sensing device, that’s the best way to appreciate the quality of opeQCM. In the final version of the software we will use an algorithm for signal processing, in order to drastically increase the S/N ratio. But as you will see, the “raw” results are very exiting !

In this test we use a AT-cut quartz crystal at 10 MHz, pure water and a CellTram Oil microinjector. The first part of the test was in air and after few minutes we injected water in the chamber. After the injection we collected more than 1/2 hour in order to evaluate the long time behaviour of the quartz sensor in liquid.

The first exciting results is that after the water injection, the system reached the thermal equilibrium in only few minutes. The second great results is the perfect horizontal plateau which remains at the same stable level for the rest of the experimental test.

If you want to evaluate by youself the quality of raw data you can download the data file here.

openQCM Design

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openQCM

Intuitive design means: easy to open the closure sealing without having to unscrew caps or screws

The Quartz Crystal Microbalance for the openQCM project has been designed starting from the experience of our research team. For over 10 years the Novaetech team who is taking part to the openQCM project have worked in the field of research and technology aimed to the development of very sensitive mass sensor systems. The openQCM has been designed, therefore, on the base of both the results obtained by Novaetech studies up today and the requirements that we have understand are critical to the use of QCM for applications in the analytical field.

All this information linked with the user’s needs, has been developed in a multidisciplinary working group. In particular the industrial designer Glenda Torres Guizado was involved in the design of the first openQCM model. This way of working was indispensable to give coherence to the project in all aspects such as: the concept of , the form and the functionality and the production process. Moreover each component has been designed with in mind the idea that the final system has to be really easy to assemble. It must take less than few minutes to build the system and to have it ready for use!

For the reasons above, we have designed an extremely lightweight and compact system, in which the measuring chamber is part of the whole system. This allows also the simple use, at the same time, of more than one openQCM, at a very affordable costs, in order to make parallel or serial analysis. An important improvement for standard QCM analytical possibilities. Build on the Open Source concept anyone can freely modify or redesign the basic model, adapting it, as never

before, to own specific application.
This is one of the reasons why we believe that the best way for the production of the openQCM case is 3D printing. The potentials are limitless. 3D printed plastic openQCM guarantees nominal stability down to 0.1 Hz. However, today 3D printing is possible also for metallic materials. If, therefore, your requirements are stringent, a metal case in 3D printed will increase the electromagnetic shielding of the system.

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The open Source QCM with temperature Control and multiple overtones measurement

Quartz Crystal Micobalance

Multiple Overtones

DDS sweep technology

Built-in Temperature Control

Fludic Module

Multi frequency compatibility

We have kept in mind thermal performances by designing each mechanical component of openQCM NEXT from scratch

Case Dimension & Materials

Fluidic window

Open Window

More resolution and stability

The core of the electronic

The Teensy 3.2 Microcontroller

Optional Wi-Fi module

FAQ Menu

Design and Hardware

Electronics

Frequency behaviour

General Questions

Software

General Questions

Exploiting the power of simplicity in high accuracy scientific measurements

STOP WALKING AROUND THE LAB

One measuring cell for all devices

An entire laboratory in one hand

Increase your range of sensitivity

a truly scientific instrument

powerful microcontroller

pogo-pin contacts

high modularity

fully open hardware

Wi-Fi scientific instrument

multi sensor hosting

plug & play

The first open-hardware scientific inStrument ready for soft matter Research

Sweeping around resonance frequency

simultaneous frequency, dissipation and phase measurements

overtones analyses

o-ring pressure fine regulation

pogo pins sensor contacts

multi quartz hosting

DDS sweep technology

Expansion slot for custom shields

We designed keeping in mind the concept of modularity

A truly Plug and PLay Instrument

high stability and accuracy

Dimension & Materials

Electrical

Software

Communication

Quartz specs

The interface software source code is available to those wishing to engage to its implementation. We offer a clear and intuitive Java interface, in order to make possible the use of openQCM with the most common operating systems (Windows, Linux and Mac OS X).

Intuitive design means: easy to open the closure sealing without having to unscrew caps or screws