Stacking: An Alternative To Cognisys.

I tried to get it working, but had some issues. I have a Win XP system and there seems to be some incompatibilty. I guess the controller is written in C++ so I must install C++ but haven't found compatible version. Then work got busy again. I'll try again this weekend and report findings. Quality of the system looks very good, I just need to figure out how to get it working.

OK, got it up and running. Not being a programmer (I guess), I was not aware of what a .rar file was. Silly things like this can definitely slow you down! So after extracting the .exe and the driver, things went more smoothly. No need to install C after all.

I could not read any of the buttons on startup. I saw a note on the hardware install page to hit F4 to go between Chinese and English. Pressed F4 and menus were readable. This needs to be done each time the program is started, as I can't seem to find a way to save the default settings.

I needed to select a com port. Choices were 1 or 4. 1 didn't work, but 4 did. I was up and running!

My first impression is the quality seemed very good. Operation was pretty silent and the software seemed to work well.

Once working, it was time to install it so the rail was usable. I have a manual Z-stage (on top of X, Y, and goniometer) so I just removed the stage to make room for the WeMacro rail. To make it work, I installed a 90-degree angle bracket from an old stage, and stuck it to the WeMacro stage with the old tried and true method of double-stick tape. I then double-stick taped the (non-motor) end of the WeMacro rail to my stage base so the rail operated vertically. I now have an automated coin stage.

To test the stage I installed a 10x microscope objective, and played around with the positioning, stepping up, down, calibrating, etc. The software had both "step" and "move" buttons (the "move" buttons just say "forward" and "backward". The step buttons move you forward or backward by 1 step, while the move buttons move the stage continuously forward or backward.

I noticed some interesting phenomena when stepping and moving. I don't see much backlash at the standard setting of 180um, but I do see some side-to-side movement when changing direction. The movement is not severe, and should not cause problems for the stacking programs to align to, but it's worth noting.

I also saw some systematic movement due to rotation of the rail screw. The screw does not turn on the precise axis of the motor. It wobbles a little side to side with each rotation. This translates to small side to side movement of the stage as it goes forward or backward. Again, it's not severe, but I'm not used to this kind of movement.

I have not yet connected my camera to do an actual stack. Will do that some evening this week.

So, overall my first day impression is very favorable, though I can see a few things already in the software that could be improved, but it's workable.

Here is my first stack with the WeMacro. Done at 10x magnification. This was a semi-manual stack, with no camera triggering. Step, shoot, step, shoot. 17 shots. I'll set up auto shutter and do another stack maybe tonight.

I have not used a StackShot. My rig is a bit more elaborate, and doesn't have any of the movements, which is why I noticed it. However, it's really not too bad. At 10x, its movement is noticeable but not severe. I would not recommend against the unit because of the movement, it's just a quality issue worth noting.

If this is your position, then I am curious why you started this thread?

Is it certain that the StackShot is not made from Chinese-sourced components? I'd bet the rails, screws, and stepper motor are Chinese-sourced, and it is assembled and tested in the US.

I suspect the reason for the wobble is the simple way the rail is built. Other rails I've used have bearings on both ends of the screw, the motor is mounted separately, and a universal joint is used to connect them, compensating for the small errors that are inherent even in precision assemblies. AK, can you confirm this is how the StackShot is built? The WeMacro rail has a bearing on the end opposite the motor, but it appears the motor is used as the bearing on its end. The coupling is solid, with no apparent flex, so any small misalignment can cause wobbling. For this to work the solid coupling must be perfect.

Edited to add: I viewed the movement at 10x, and it is about 10um, or around 0.5% of the FOV. Enough to see it happen, but not enough to make much difference.

i need a every thing except for the focus rail. what would you guys recommend. I need the motor, software, cables,power supply.where could I purchase these items. any help greatly appreciated.

That 0.5% FOV would be well within my tolerance levels for what I have been dealing with. Thank you very much for your review on this product. It is most helpful as are most of your posts on here Ray.