# Builders/Tools

**URL:** https://forum.microlist.org/c/builders-tools/21.md

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## [About the Builders/Tools category](https://forum.microlist.org/t/about-the-builders-tools-category/2649)

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**Author:** [@jennifer](https://forum.microlist.org/u/jennifer)\
**Replies:** 0\
**Last updated:** [August 29, 2024, 3:36pm UTC](https://forum.microlist.org/t/about-the-builders-tools-category/2649 "2024-08-29T15:36:38Z")

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About the Builders/Tools category This category of the microforum is a virtual place to ask questions and share thoughts, information, and success stories about custom optical microscopes, their building blocks, and too…

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## [Cost-effective, open-source light shutters with Arduino control](https://forum.microlist.org/t/cost-effective-open-source-light-shutters-with-arduino-control/2654)

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**Author:** [@fischer](https://forum.microlist.org/u/fischer)\
**Replies:** 3\
**Last updated:** [August 12, 2025, 7:17pm UTC](https://forum.microlist.org/t/cost-effective-open-source-light-shutters-with-arduino-control/2654 "2025-08-12T19:17:35Z")

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Microscopes generally employ shutters to limit light exposure for the safety of the samples or the user. Most commercial microscopes come with integrated shutters. For home-built instruments you can purchase external shu…