Recommended Free Tools
A mirror pseudoscope swaps the views that reach your left and right eyes, reversing the binocular depth cues your brain normally uses. You can make a simple wooden version with four small mirrors, a flat base, and movable mirror mounts. Careful alignment matters: crooked mounts can shift the images, while the depth-reversal effect depends on having stereoscopic vision.
What a pseudoscope does
A pseudoscope is a binocular optical instrument that reverses perceived depth. In a mirror design, each eye receives the view normally intended for the other. This can make near and far relationships seem reversed; for example, a convex object may appear concave. Rob Hartmann’s Make project describes it as “a device that plays a trick on the eyes, switching the perception of near and far by reversing stereoscopic vision.”
It is not a periscope: a periscope lets someone see around or over an obstacle, while this instrument changes the left-right pairing of binocular views. Pseudoscope designs can use different optical arrangements. The mirror build below is a practical starting point, not the only design.
Materials for the wooden mirror build
Rob Hartmann’s 2009 Make project specifies these parts for its wooden version:
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
- Two 3×3-inch mirrors
- Two 3×4-inch mirrors
- Four 1¼-inch wooden cubes
- One flat wooden base, 5×12 inches and ¼ inch thick
- Four ¾-inch flat-head screws
- Glue, a drill, and a screwdriver
The project’s “about 10 bucks” description was a 2009 estimate, not a current parts budget. Current mirror and lumber prices depend on the seller and location.
Build the mirror pseudoscope
The Make project provides the parts and assembly plan; the following alignment practices incorporate practical advice from an independent DIY build account.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
- Prepare a flat base. Use the 5×12-inch, ¼-inch-thick base specified by the Make project. Check that it lies flat; a warped base makes accurate alignment harder.
- Make the mirror mounts. The four wooden cubes act as mounts. Before attaching a mirror to each cube, check that the cube face and base meet at a true right angle. The DIY builder suggests using a right triangle to check the angle.
- Drill before attaching mirrors. Drill the cubes for their screws before gluing on the mirrors. This avoids having to work a drill next to a fragile mirror.
- Attach the mirrors and mounts. Follow the Make project’s arrangement, using the two 3×3-inch and two 3×4-inch mirrors. Fasten the mounts to the base with the four ¾-inch flat-head screws. Do not glue the mounts permanently in place: they need to turn so you can aim them for subjects at different distances.
- Check the image alignment. Look at one object through the instrument. The images should align horizontally rather than appearing at different vertical heights. If a small angular error remains, the DIY builder suggests correcting it with thin shims; treat that as one builder’s practical advice, not a guaranteed fix for every build.
Adjust and try the instrument
Aim the views
Turn the mirror mounts to bring the two views of your chosen subject into alignment. The required angle changes with subject distance, which is why movable mounts are useful. If alignment is difficult, begin with a stationary object at a comfortable viewing distance and adjust in small increments.
Choose objects that reveal depth
Try irregular, unfamiliar objects or small pyramid-like shapes, which the DIY builder recommends as demonstrations. That builder also reports that a globe or another sphere may appear concave. These are suggested subjects and individual observations, not guaranteed effects for every viewer.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Interpret what you see
The AstroMediaShop kit instructions say stereoscopic vision is required to perceive the effect. If you do not see reversed depth, that alone does not prove the instrument is assembled incorrectly. If the object instead appears doubled or vertically displaced, inspect the mount angles and base alignment.
Mirror size: field of view versus build size
In the DIY builder’s account, 3×6-inch mirrors provided a wider field of view and needed less adjustment than shorter mirrors. Short mirrors could let the viewer see around their edges. The builder also needed a larger base for the longer mirrors. These are observations from an individual wooden build, not standardized measurements; the Make plan uses its own 3×3-inch and 3×4-inch mirror sizes.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
Other pseudoscope designs
Cardboard mirror kit
The AstroMediaShop instructions dated October 2013 describe a separate cardboard design with four mirrors: two small mirrors measuring 22×22 mm and two large mirrors measuring 55×110 mm. The large mirror holders rotate to accommodate different object distances. Its instructions emphasize square, gap-free supports because angular errors shift the views seen by the two eyes. These dimensions and construction details belong to that kit, not the wooden Make plan.
Prism-and-tube instrument
A historical experimental-psychology laboratory manual documents a different design using two short tubes and total-reflection prisms. The tubes can rotate, and one slides along a crossbar. The manual warns that the field of view is small and adjustment may be difficult for beginners. It is a more specialized alternative than the straightforward mirror build.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
