# Hardware, PWM, and Optics **URL:** https://forum.pioreactor.com/c/hardware/5.md [Latest](https://forum.pioreactor.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://forum.pioreactor.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://forum.pioreactor.com/tags.md) --- ## [About the Hardware, PWM, and Optics category](https://forum.pioreactor.com/t/about-the-hardware-pwm-and-optics-category/11)
**Author:** [@CamDavidsonPilon](https://forum.pioreactor.com/u/CamDavidsonPilon)\ **Replies:** 0
Discussion involving the Pioreactor HAT, Pioreactor onboard heating PCB, 3D prints, hardware peripherals, and our optical system. --- ## [New Pioreactor aeration kit](https://forum.pioreactor.com/t/new-pioreactor-aeration-kit/1239)
**Author:** [@CamDavidsonPilon](https://forum.pioreactor.com/u/CamDavidsonPilon)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [November 2, 2026, 3:55pm UTC](https://forum.pioreactor.com/t/new-pioreactor-aeration-kit/1239 "2026-11-02T15:55:24Z")
:wave: I’m excited to introduce the new Pioreactor Aeration Kit! It’s a entirely new way to provide active aeration to your cultures. The kit has a controllable 12V air pump, an inline humidifier, and tiny sparger that f… --- ## [My reactor got destroyed](https://forum.pioreactor.com/t/my-reactor-got-destroyed/1268)
**Author:** [@Alex1506](https://forum.pioreactor.com/u/Alex1506)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [October 22, 2026, 2:16pm UTC](https://forum.pioreactor.com/t/my-reactor-got-destroyed/1268 "2026-10-22T14:16:33Z")
Hey, we are working with E. coli and M9 Medium right now, and i thought yesterday, that all of my reactors would work. Sadly today morning i saw how my reactor was wet and the raspberry pi was burned out. It should have … --- ## [RGBA board for absorbance/fluorescence?](https://forum.pioreactor.com/t/rgba-board-for-absorbance-fluorescence/1206)
**Author:** [@noahsprent](https://forum.pioreactor.com/u/noahsprent)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [September 22, 2026, 10:42am UTC](https://forum.pioreactor.com/t/rgba-board-for-absorbance-fluorescence/1206 "2026-09-22T10:42:40Z")
I continue my adventures with different absorbances/fluorescences with the Pioreactor. The Labcrafter folks (@gendor) very helpfully provided me with an Adafruit TSL2591 and one of the LED boards that iorodeo designed f… --- ## [New Pioreactor onboard camera](https://forum.pioreactor.com/t/new-pioreactor-onboard-camera/1224)
**Author:** [@CamDavidsonPilon](https://forum.pioreactor.com/u/CamDavidsonPilon)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [September 21, 2026, 5:43pm UTC](https://forum.pioreactor.com/t/new-pioreactor-onboard-camera/1224 "2026-09-21T17:43:57Z")
:wave: you may have saw a preview in our latest software release, but we have been working on a new camera module that will allow you to pair photos of your experiment with the rest of your data collection. It uses the I… --- ## [Help on redesign of the Vial Cap S](https://forum.pioreactor.com/t/help-on-redesign-of-the-vial-cap-s/1194)
**Author:** [@curro99](https://forum.pioreactor.com/u/curro99)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [September 8, 2026, 6:03pm UTC](https://forum.pioreactor.com/t/help-on-redesign-of-the-vial-cap-s/1194 "2026-09-08T18:03:00Z")
Hi everyone! I’m posting to see if anyone could help me think through a possible redesign of the Vial Cap S. I work with anaerobic cultures in batch fermentation, and one of the recurring problems I have is oxygen getti… --- ## [Using the CO2 sensor plugin](https://forum.pioreactor.com/t/using-the-co2-sensor-plugin/1180)
**Author:** [@almironeto](https://forum.pioreactor.com/u/almironeto)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [August 27, 2026, 2:59pm UTC](https://forum.pioreactor.com/t/using-the-co2-sensor-plugin/1180 "2026-08-27T14:59:53Z")
I saw there is a CO2 reading plugin that uses the scd30/4x sensor, but I didn’t understand how the sensor is used with the pioreactor, is there any examples or documentation on the hardware part? --- ## [Making the Pio Toluene Safe](https://forum.pioreactor.com/t/making-the-pio-toluene-safe/1196)
**Author:** [@ItsAlay](https://forum.pioreactor.com/u/ItsAlay)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [August 19, 2026, 2:27pm UTC](https://forum.pioreactor.com/t/making-the-pio-toluene-safe/1196 "2026-08-19T14:27:25Z")
I’m trying to use the pioreactor as a chemostat with toluene as the “drug”; however, I am aware that not all components are toluene-safe. Aside from the silicone tubing, what other components of the pioreactor would I ha… --- ## [Percision Temperature Upgrade Kit for Pioreactor 40ml v1.5 with XR Upgrade Kit](https://forum.pioreactor.com/t/percision-temperature-upgrade-kit-for-pioreactor-40ml-v1-5-with-xr-upgrade-kit/1139)
**Author:** [@alatiaun](https://forum.pioreactor.com/u/alatiaun)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [May 22, 2026, 1:20pm UTC](https://forum.pioreactor.com/t/percision-temperature-upgrade-kit-for-pioreactor-40ml-v1-5-with-xr-upgrade-kit/1139 "2026-05-22T13:20:28Z")
No available documentation for installing Precision Temperature Upgrade Kit (SKU: 3020) for Pioreactor 40ml v1.5 → XR Upgrade Kit (SKU: 3010). After installing the new XR Upgrade on the only available slot for connecting… --- ## [Hardware failure, Pi dead?](https://forum.pioreactor.com/t/hardware-failure-pi-dead/1134)
**Author:** [@hai1234](https://forum.pioreactor.com/u/hai1234)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [May 15, 2026, 2:03pm UTC](https://forum.pioreactor.com/t/hardware-failure-pi-dead/1134 "2026-05-15T14:03:41Z")
Hi, my was having a Chemostat run, but found that the reactor was completed dead in the morning. There was no liquid around. I reconnected the power input and so on, it didn’t have any light flashing. I think the PI was… --- ## [Mini solenoid array for CO₂ dosing via luer locks](https://forum.pioreactor.com/t/mini-solenoid-array-for-co-dosing-via-luer-locks/1122)
**Author:** [@curro99](https://forum.pioreactor.com/u/curro99)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [April 30, 2026, 6:30pm UTC](https://forum.pioreactor.com/t/mini-solenoid-array-for-co-dosing-via-luer-locks/1122 "2026-04-30T18:30:12Z")
Hi there!! I’d like to build a system to dose CO₂ into a Pioreactor cluster using a manifold and a row of cheap mini solenoid valves, one per vessel. The solenoids would sit outside the Pioreactors and connect via tubin… --- ## [Introducing the Pioreactor XR](https://forum.pioreactor.com/t/introducing-the-pioreactor-xr/1032)
**Author:** [@CamDavidsonPilon](https://forum.pioreactor.com/u/CamDavidsonPilon)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [April 17, 2026, 3:01pm UTC](https://forum.pioreactor.com/t/introducing-the-pioreactor-xr/1032 "2026-04-17T15:01:36Z")
:wave: Hello! We have an exciting hardware release today - the Pioreactor XR upgrade kit for both the 40ml and 20ml v1.5s. This upgrade kit extends the range of OD on the Pioreactor, allowing you to measure 100x lower a… --- ## [Temperature Control Limitations/Expectations](https://forum.pioreactor.com/t/temperature-control-limitations-expectations/1014)
**Author:** [@KarstenSkogs](https://forum.pioreactor.com/u/KarstenSkogs)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [April 17, 2026, 2:26pm UTC](https://forum.pioreactor.com/t/temperature-control-limitations-expectations/1014 "2026-04-17T14:26:15Z")
Continuing the discussion from Pioreactor 40ml released!: Hi @sharknaro, I have moved this topic into a new thread to avoid hijacking things too much. I did play around with the PID parameters, and it certainly helped… --- ## [Temperature variation (w/MLX90632)](https://forum.pioreactor.com/t/temperature-variation-w-mlx90632/1101)
**Author:** [@curro99](https://forum.pioreactor.com/u/curro99)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [March 27, 2026, 8:46am UTC](https://forum.pioreactor.com/t/temperature-variation-w-mlx90632/1101 "2026-03-27T08:46:25Z")
Hello everyone! I’ve noticed some variation in the temperature of my Pioreactors (I’m using the Precision Temperature Upgrade Kit). It’s nothing extreme, but I find it a bit odd…especially since some of them do stay at … --- ## [Repurposing old bioreactors](https://forum.pioreactor.com/t/repurposing-old-bioreactors/1078)
**Author:** [@stijn.rommens](https://forum.pioreactor.com/u/stijn.rommens)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [March 19, 2026, 10:56am UTC](https://forum.pioreactor.com/t/repurposing-old-bioreactors/1078 "2026-03-19T10:56:47Z")
Hi all, I’m planning to repurpose some old bioreactors using the pioreactor software. The ultimate goal is to be able to control parameters such as DO, pH and temperature - so that I don’t have to rely on the manufacture… --- ## [Dissolved Oxygen Measurements](https://forum.pioreactor.com/t/dissolved-oxygen-measurements/1034)
**Author:** [@rcphysics](https://forum.pioreactor.com/u/rcphysics)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [March 13, 2026, 11:47am UTC](https://forum.pioreactor.com/t/dissolved-oxygen-measurements/1034 "2026-03-13T11:47:30Z")
Are there any community solutions for measuring dissolved oxygen inside the pioreactor? Or is DO on the dev plan? I’ve searched the forums and not found anything --- ## [Next gen HAT design](https://forum.pioreactor.com/t/next-gen-hat-design/1072)
**Author:** [@noahsprent](https://forum.pioreactor.com/u/noahsprent)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [March 12, 2026, 2:03pm UTC](https://forum.pioreactor.com/t/next-gen-hat-design/1072 "2026-03-12T14:03:23Z")
Hey @CamDavidsonPilon, I’m just wondering how much you’re able to share on the next iteration of the HAT that you’ve mentioned a couple of times, fine if it’s secret. I’m toying with the idea of designing a HAT or simila… --- ## [Clever micro-dosing design (untested!)](https://forum.pioreactor.com/t/clever-micro-dosing-design-untested/1040)
**Author:** [@CamDavidsonPilon](https://forum.pioreactor.com/u/CamDavidsonPilon)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [March 12, 2026, 11:37am UTC](https://forum.pioreactor.com/t/clever-micro-dosing-design-untested/1040 "2026-03-12T11:37:30Z")
Here’s a simple idea for micro-dosing (sub 0.05ml dosing) without any pumps. I don’t know if it works or how accurate it is - we don’t have the R&D time atm to test it. The idea is to use a pressurized liquid line into … --- ## [PCP heating not detected in single pioreactor](https://forum.pioreactor.com/t/pcp-heating-not-detected-in-single-pioreactor/1070)
**Author:** [@ucl\_star](https://forum.pioreactor.com/u/ucl_star)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [March 9, 2026, 5:21pm UTC](https://forum.pioreactor.com/t/pcp-heating-not-detected-in-single-pioreactor/1070 "2026-03-09T17:21:33Z")
Happy Monday! I’ve been having an issue with a single pioreactor in my array, with it being unable to proceed with calibrations due to the PCB heating not being detected. I replaced the PCB with a new unit, but the prob… --- ## [New temperature sensor release: get more accurate temperatures and hotter cultures](https://forum.pioreactor.com/t/new-temperature-sensor-release-get-more-accurate-temperatures-and-hotter-cultures/1047)
**Author:** [@CamDavidsonPilon](https://forum.pioreactor.com/u/CamDavidsonPilon)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [March 8, 2026, 1:20am UTC](https://forum.pioreactor.com/t/new-temperature-sensor-release-get-more-accurate-temperatures-and-hotter-cultures/1047 "2026-03-08T01:20:10Z")
:wave: We have been working with a new external temperature sensor, and it’s really great: calibrated to be within 0.2 ℃ of the internal culture temp (via our Pioreactor plugin) able to get cultures very hot, up to 57 … --- ## [Additional LED resistor](https://forum.pioreactor.com/t/additional-led-resistor/1056)
**Author:** [@AGreen](https://forum.pioreactor.com/u/AGreen)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [February 26, 2026, 3:23pm UTC](https://forum.pioreactor.com/t/additional-led-resistor/1056 "2026-02-26T15:23:02Z")
Hi, I added a 5mm white LED to the X1 port of my 40mm v1.5 pioreactor. I just connected it to the B port of the HAT via Dupont cables. Do I need to add a current limiting resistor or is it built into the HAT PCB? I set t… --- ## [Is there something in the Pioreactor OS image that intentionally prevents the use of the raspberry pi cameras?](https://forum.pioreactor.com/t/is-there-something-in-the-pioreactor-os-image-that-intentionally-prevents-the-use-of-the-raspberry-pi-cameras/772)
**Author:** [@noahsprent](https://forum.pioreactor.com/u/noahsprent)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [February 26, 2026, 5:58am UTC](https://forum.pioreactor.com/t/is-there-something-in-the-pioreactor-os-image-that-intentionally-prevents-the-use-of-the-raspberry-pi-cameras/772 "2026-02-26T05:58:03Z")
I’m trying to use the Raspberry pi AI camera for some machine vision stuff for our pioreactor, but I’m getting a “No cameras found” error from libcamera. With the same hardware but a different MicroSD with stock raspbian… --- ## [Adding Additional LEDs](https://forum.pioreactor.com/t/adding-additional-leds/1046)
**Author:** [@farascapra](https://forum.pioreactor.com/u/farascapra)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [February 19, 2026, 6:37pm UTC](https://forum.pioreactor.com/t/adding-additional-leds/1046 "2026-02-19T18:37:26Z")
I want the ability to add more than the standard 3 LEDs to the sleeve of the pioreactor. How would i be able to assign these LEDs to certain GPIOs of the HAT/RPI? --- ## [Silicone tubing doesn't stay at the bottom of the bottles](https://forum.pioreactor.com/t/silicone-tubing-doesnt-stay-at-the-bottom-of-the-bottles/1042)
**Author:** [@raphvinny](https://forum.pioreactor.com/u/raphvinny)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [February 16, 2026, 3:45pm UTC](https://forum.pioreactor.com/t/silicone-tubing-doesnt-stay-at-the-bottom-of-the-bottles/1042 "2026-02-16T15:45:59Z")
I just autoclaved bottles of growth medium with the GL45 caps and tubes in place, and found the tubing floating above the surface, with the ends entirely outside of the liquid… No matter how much I wiggle the cap, swirl … --- ## [Robust Power Supply for Pioreactor Clusters](https://forum.pioreactor.com/t/robust-power-supply-for-pioreactor-clusters/847)
**Author:** [@Turkey](https://forum.pioreactor.com/u/Turkey)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [February 6, 2026, 9:14pm UTC](https://forum.pioreactor.com/t/robust-power-supply-for-pioreactor-clusters/847 "2026-02-06T21:14:58Z")
Hello everyone! My lab has recently gotten a hold of about 7 reactors, with plans to expand to more in the near future. While reading through the startup documents, it was recommended that users get the power supply ban… --- ## [Accessing Reference Photodiode Raw Values](https://forum.pioreactor.com/t/accessing-reference-photodiode-raw-values/1022)
**Author:** [@apemaraj](https://forum.pioreactor.com/u/apemaraj)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [January 6, 2026, 12:04am UTC](https://forum.pioreactor.com/t/accessing-reference-photodiode-raw-values/1022 "2026-01-06T00:04:12Z")
Hello! I am working on OD calibrations for the v1.5 pioreactor (40 mL). I am interested in seeing the reference photodiode values (specifically the raw voltage signal) that are measured during this calibration. In a pr… --- ## [OD value increases significantly at random time](https://forum.pioreactor.com/t/od-value-increases-significantly-at-random-time/871)
**Author:** [@sharknaro](https://forum.pioreactor.com/u/sharknaro)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [December 15, 2025, 7:37am UTC](https://forum.pioreactor.com/t/od-value-increases-significantly-at-random-time/871 "2025-12-15T07:37:24Z")
The OD measurements increase significantly at random time on the Pioreactors. Software version: 25.5.22 Pioreactor version: Pioreactor 20 mL v1.1 Despite having an older software version, we did not have this issue in… --- ## [pH probes / monitoring](https://forum.pioreactor.com/t/ph-probes-monitoring/178)
**Author:** [@Martin](https://forum.pioreactor.com/u/Martin)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [December 3, 2025, 3:30pm UTC](https://forum.pioreactor.com/t/ph-probes-monitoring/178 "2025-12-03T15:30:04Z")
Has anyone connected a pH probe to their Pioreactor? Raspberry Pi compatible pH boards seem to be available from Atlas Scientific, Anyleaf, Homelab-pH, DF Robot and others. The Atlas Scientific seems to be mentioned m… --- ## [CO2 supplementation for Pioreactor 40mL vessel?](https://forum.pioreactor.com/t/co2-supplementation-for-pioreactor-40ml-vessel/1000)
**Author:** [@victorhooi](https://forum.pioreactor.com/u/victorhooi)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [December 3, 2025, 10:13am UTC](https://forum.pioreactor.com/t/co2-supplementation-for-pioreactor-40ml-vessel/1000 "2025-12-03T10:13:59Z")
I’m looking to setup some experiments with growing sphagnum moss in a Pioreactor. One thing mentioned in some of the papers I’m reading is around CO2 supplementation (example): Compared to the cultivation of S. palust… --- ## [Stronger lighting for algae cultures](https://forum.pioreactor.com/t/stronger-lighting-for-algae-cultures/989)
**Author:** [@greenfavor](https://forum.pioreactor.com/u/greenfavor)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [November 25, 2025, 3:38pm UTC](https://forum.pioreactor.com/t/stronger-lighting-for-algae-cultures/989 "2025-11-25T15:38:51Z")
Hi, :slight\_smile: We recently install LEDs on the holes of the incubators to test the growth of algae, and it turns out the light is too weak to support their photosynthesis. They grows much slower comparing to growing… [Next page](https://forum.pioreactor.com/c/hardware/5.md?page=1)