**Welcome!** This page includes full instructions to assembling the [Public Lab Foldable Mini-Spectrometeter](http://store.publiclaboratory.org/products/foldable-mini-spectrometer). #####[Buy one from our store](http://store.publiclaboratory.org/products/foldable-mini-spectrometer)##### This page is being actively improved, so be sure to check back soon to see if more content has been added. Public Lab Origami Spectrometer ##Using your spectrometer Once you've assembled your spectrometer and are ready to use it, plug it in and visit [SpectralWorkbench.org](https://spectralworkbench.org) to begin recording data with it. The web-based software works in the **Chrome and Opera browsers** with more coming soon. ##(Peer) Support Public Lab is not a corporation, we're an open community of DIY environmental science researchers which you have just joined! The best place to get help is the spectrometry mailing list; to join, [register on this site](/user/register) and be sure to check the "plots-spectrometry" box. The spectrometry mailing list is made up of people like you, who are building and improving open source spectrometry techniques. Ask questions, look for help, and consider helping others too! ##Resources * more [Assembly instructions](/wiki/spectrometer-construction) * [Using the software](/wiki/spectral-workbench-usage) * [Background about the project](/tool/spectrometer) * peer-contributed [research on open source spectrometry](/notes/spectrometer) ##Make your own## Whether or not you buy one on our store, you can follow these instructions to assemble your own Foldable Mini-Spectrometer: [8.5x11mini-spec3.8.pdf](https://publiclab.org/sites/default/files/8.5x11mini-spec3.8.pdf) (550 kB) mini fold up spectrometer as vector ##Assembly Photos## Cut out along the outer edge if not already cut out. mini fold-up spectrometer assembly Fold as indicated by the lines. Thinly dotted lines are folded down, dashed lines folded up. mini fold-up spectrometer assembly Glue or tape together. Start with the top flap and make sure the edges are aligned. mini fold-up spectrometer assembly Except for the Diffraction grating on door, glue or tape all flaps down to the outside. mini fold-up spectrometer assembly To make a diffraction grating from a DVD-R, peel back the reflective layer, and cut a small square out of the transparent layer. peeling DVD mini fold-up spectrometer assembly Tape or glue down the DVD-R diffraction grating to the inside of the spectrometer so that the diffraction grating is vertical, producing a horizontal spectral rainbow. Then glue the door closed. mini fold-up spectrometer assembly Attach The spectrometer to a webcam with the aid of a box, to a phone, or to a computer. mini fold-up spectrometer assembly ##Illustrated Assembly Guide## Cut out along the outer edge if not already cut out. mini-spectrometer assembly Fold as indicated by the lines. Thinly dotted lines are folded down, dashed lines folded up. mini-spectrometer assembly Except for the Diffraction grating on door, glue or tape all flaps down to the outside. mini-spectrometer assembly To make a diffraction grating from a DVD-R, cu a square from the outer edge. The DVD has is two layers of plastic. Peel back the reflective layer, and cut a small square out of the transparent layer. mini-spectrometer assembly Tape or glue down the DVD-R diffraction grating to the inside of the spectrometer so that the diffraction grating is vertical, producing a horizontal spectral rainbow. Then glue the door closed. mini-spectrometer assembly Attach The spectrometer to a webcam with the aid of a box, to a phone, or to a computer. mini-spectrometer assembly #[get started with Spectralworkbench](/wiki/spectral-workbench-usage)# spectral workbench android screenshot