I see that Jaycar has two new microscopes. These have adjustable stands unlike the Kaiser Baas -that is a very good feature. Otherwise, very similar looking to the other ones on the market. 5MP→2592x1944 pixels is starting to sound like a serious resolution!
5MP USB 2.0 Digital Microscope with Professional Stand (http://www.jaycar.com.au/productView.asp?ID=QC3199)
2MP USB Digital Microscope with 200x Zoom (http://www.jaycar.com.au/productView.asp?ID=QC3197)
I have a trade account with Jayca'rs wholesale division and can purchase these at a reasonable discount. If anyone is interest in obtaining one please message me. Your price would be around 25% to 30% discounted (another 10% discount of I can get an order for five or more).
Jeff
I was actually just looking at one of those ask fulvio :)
PM sent. :angel:
T-Mart had these or similar starting around thirty bucks, as I recall. I went with KB because quality may be an issue at the cheap end.
The 5MP one looks interesting though. I'd be interested in seeing some piccies from it other than what's on their website. Wonder if Jaycar would let me haul the Macbook in there and test it? :angel:
KB specs:
Image sensor - 2 megapixels CMOS (interpolated to 5 megapixels)
Capture resolution - images up to 2560 x 2048, Video (AVI) up to 1600 x 1200
Magnification ratio - 20x to 200x with focus range from 10mm to infinite
- See more at: http://www.kaiserbaas.com/cameras/digital-microscope#sthash.nNuMkRgK.dpuf
Doesn't hurt to ask. If you do and get some pics then post them here.
Quote from: 'JeffH' pid='30312' dateline='1381364328'Doesn't hurt to ask. If you do and get some pics then post them here.
Yeah. Just found that they have a shop in Hallam, across the road from where mine was. AND they're happy to let me test it. Guess I'll head down there, check the PO box and pick up that note AJ sent, then give it a test drive, eh? :)
Also be interesting to see if it works with the KB software.
Quote from: 'Fulvio' pid='30311' dateline='1381363826'Image sensor - 2 megapixels CMOS (interpolated to 5 megapixels)
Capture resolution - images up to 2560 x 2048, Video (AVI) up to 1600 x 1200
2 MP interpolated to 5MP? Just buy a 2MP unit and "interpolate" (ie resize the image to make it bigger) it yourself in your graphics software. Or am I missing something here?
I have absolutely NO idea on the speccs of my "Cudoscope" but what I do know is it takes BIG pictures of little things rather nicely :angel:
Not too shabby for an elcheapo from China :)
Right.. I got down there today, as promised. Sadly thanks to roadworks on the freeway, I was running late for a couple of doctors appointments, so it didn't go especially well. Here's the only semi-usable pic I salvaged when I eventually got home a short while ago:
(http://fulvio.jovianprojects.com.au/coins/forum/scopetest.jpg)
Compare it to the similar KB pic I posted last month in the 50¢ Bubble thread.
I have to say I was not overly impressed with this scope, at least not for the price.
The software, MicroCapture PRO, is a lot slower and more cumbersome than the old MicroCapture. And no, it won't work with the old software. In spite of claiming 5MP, The only options were for 1.3, 2 and 3MP. That shot is 3MP.
The reason its so bad is it turns out there is a SIGNIFICANT delay between clicking the button and the pic actually being snapped. Perhaps as much as 30sec. By which time you've moved. Maybe not a problem with the stand, but useless handheld, which this was.
Focussing is a LOT fiddlier. And the depth of field is shallower. I found it near impossible to get a decent view on screen, and it was laggier than the KB. Plus there is no easy way to snap the pic while in fullscreen mode that I could find.
Overall, the best thing about it is the stand. Looked very solid, and would fit any scope. But other than that, I wouldn't bother. Certainly not at $129. Maybe at $80, which brings it down towards KB territory, it might be ok, just for the stand. But I also suspect a $20 chinese no-name might do the job just as well.
Pity, I had high hopes, and would have bought it in spite of already having the KB.
What interested me in these was the stands included. I don't think 5MP is any large advance on 2 for what I do. 1600x1280 pixels is a decent size photo.
I downloaded MicroCapture PRO and had a look -it definitely showed a 5MP option for me. The delay sounds a worry. Was that with button on 'scope or software select snap (or both)?
Had a look around and found several places in Hong Kong selling stands. Think I might grab one for my KB. Protable Mini Stage Stand For USB Digtal Microscope (http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Protable-Mini-Stage-Stand-For-USB-Digtal-Microscope-Endoscope-Borescope-ZoomTE13-/170959497382?pt=AU_Business_Industrial_Medical_Scientific_Equipment2&hash=item27cdfae8a6) sic
For someone in the market for a digital microscope, this looks to be pretty much the "industry standard" type and has an adjustable stand. Price looks reasonable.USB 2.0 Digital Microscope S07-500X Video Magnifier Camera w/ Adjustable Holder (http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/USB-2-0-Digital-Microscope-S07-500X-Video-Magnifier-Camera-w-Adjustable-Holder-/130866687876?pt=AU_Business_Industrial_Medical_Scientific_Equipment2&hash=item1e78432f84)
And, check this one out! If I bought one -I have no intention- it would not be to use but just to display for the decorative value. 8 LED USB Digital Microscope (http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=181200821460)
Quote2 MP interpolated to 5MP? Just buy a 2MP unit and "interpolate" (ie resize the image to make it bigger) it yourself in your graphics software. Or am I missing something here?
I don't think so. They do this;
•Because they can
•5MP looks better than 2MP for advertising
•They think "ethics" is a county in England.
Some of the newer 5MP units are now claiming "interpolated to 12MP". Why not 20MP? (think of a number and insert it here). Means nothing really.
Try this exercise;
•Find a 2MP picture (1600x1280 pixel) with lots of fine detail and make a copy
•Resize it to 5MP (2,592 x 1944 pixels)
•Resize it back to 2MP
•Compare the original and the copy; especially the fine detail. See the "jaggies"?
Jeff, pm sent re the HK stands.
In the lower part of the listing:
Station USB Digital Portable Pen Manual Focus Microscope Stand TE13
Quote from: 'JeffH' pid='30420' dateline='1381440948'Was that with button on 'scope
Due to their lack of programming skills
(or lack of caring, which is worse), the button doesn't work on the Mac versions. So you need three hands. :(
Nancy has pointed out that the stands I linked to will not mount Kaiser Baas type microscope.
Maybe this might be better. Microscope Stand ST-1 (Buy it now) (http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Bio-Microscope-Telescope-Astronomy-Changeable-Eyepiece-Digital-camera-Stand-ST-1-/260927111479?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3cc077c137) Microscope Stand ST-1 (auction) (http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/281183493244?ru=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com.au%2Fsch%2Fi.html%3F_sacat%3D0%26_okw%3D%26_oexkw%3D%26_adv%3D1%26_udlo%3D%26_udhi%3D%26_ftrt%3D901%26_ftrv%3D1%26_sabdlo%3D%26_sabdhi%3D%26_samilow%3D%26_samihi%3D%26_sadis%3D200%26_fpos%3D%26LH_SALE_CURRENCY%3D0%26_sop%3D12%26_dmd%3D1%26_ipg%3D25%26_nkw%3D281183493244%26_rdc%3D1)
I did find a lovely articulated arm stand -an engineering marvel- but, at US$49.95, I think way too expensive.
Hmm... those are really for adapting standard cameras to optical 'scopes. Bit of an overkill, even if they work.
What about adapting the KB stands? All it really needs is clamping and a longer articulated bit I reckon. Maybe just bolt it to a heavy steel block?
This setup costs $0 and seems to work ok :good:
(http://www.australian-coins.net/gallery/albums/userpics/10019/cudoscope1.jpg)
(http://www.australian-coins.net/gallery/albums/userpics/10019/cudoscope.jpg)
My opinion of the KB stand is that it's a piece of junk. After the first 5 minutes, I discarded it. As I have had 3 KB's now, each stand was removed from the barrel ASAP. Too much movement, not enough height were the 2 main flaws IMO.
The last stand Jeff posted a link to looks a bit bizarre. To my mind's eye, if I place the scope in the soft plastic clamp thingee, it would be in a horizontal position, with no obvious way of pointing it downward.
Either that or I'd need a physics / engineering degree to figure it out. :scratch_one-s_head:
Quote from: 'trout' pid='30483' dateline='1381464126'This setup costs $0 and seems to work ok
Oh, that's clever. Thanks mate. :yahoo:
Quote from: 'Fulvio' pid='30491' dateline='1381464711'Quote from: 'trout' pid='30483' dateline='1381464126'This setup costs $0 and seems to work ok
Oh, that's clever. Thanks mate. :yahoo:
I got the idea off nevol about a year ago I think :good:
The Missus did get a bit antsy when she saw me cutting holes in the Tupperware, But when I told her I got them from the tip she settled down.
Quote from: 'Nevol' pid='30490' dateline='1381464681'The last stand Jeff posted a link to looks a bit bizarre.
Because its not for a scope.
You attach the barrel to the eyepiece of a normal optical microscope or telescope. Then you bolt a standard point and shoot camera (not an SLR) to the platform using the standard screw mount. The camera can then photograph through the scope eyepiece, see?
Quote from: 'trout' pid='30483' dateline='1381464126'This setup costs $0 and seems to work ok :good:
My set up is a bit similar with 5 different height tupperware containers for different sized coins, with holes cut out of the bottom. I jam the scope in the hole in the bottom, it rarely moves, get it focussed and always use the software to snap the image, never the button on the scope as it causes movement.
Quoteif I place the scope in the soft plastic clamp thingee, it would be in a horizontal position, with no obvious way of pointing it downward.
My thought is you cut the base from the KB stand (or find a suitable size bead or ball to replace the pivot), tighten the wingnut right up and put the arm in the clamp. That way you can have the microscope pointing down toward the adjustable platform. Some packing might be needed in the clamp to get best range of height adjustment. Something like this...
(http://www.australian-coins.net/gallery/albums/userpics/10055/DSCF5033.JPG)
Jeff
PS. I do have an engineering degree!
PPS. A second thought -probably no need to modify the KB stand; just have the base out the back of the mount.
QuotePS. I do have an engineering degree!
Eesy for you, deefecult for me...cha cha cha. :whistle2: :winkextra:
If we're going to get into reengineering stuff, its probably easier to start from scratch. A length of pipe and a threaded worm drive would be easy to build, especially in ABS plastic.
But I do think the plastic containers are even easier. The scope probably fits right into the top of a milk bottle I reckon.
Quote from: 'Fulvio' pid='30522' dateline='1381473679'If we're going to get into reengineering stuff, its probably easier to start from scratch. A length of pipe and a threaded worm drive would be easy to build, especially in ABS plastic.
But I do think the plastic containers are even easier. The scope probably fits right into the top of a milk bottle I reckon.
Nothing wrong with the K.I.S.S principle Fulvio Mate :good:
There you go Nancy. I will get it in the post, back to you, soon.
Cheers,
Jeff
(http://www.australian-coins.net/gallery/albums/userpics/10055/Scope_1.JPG)
(http://www.australian-coins.net/gallery/albums/userpics/10055/Scope_2.JPG)
Well done Jeff ....... looks great!
Quote from: 'JeffH' pid='31266' dateline='1381987642'There you go Nancy. I will get it in the post, back to you, soon.
Nice... now, what did you use? I recognise the arm from the KB mount, but is the rest standard or homebrew?
QuoteNice... now, what did you use? I recognise the arm from the KB mount, but is the rest standard or homebrew?
The rest is an el cheapo that Nancy bought from HK but would not fit the KB. I basically drilled a hole and stuck a small bolt through. Mounting it that way the 'scope was overhanging the base so I used a bit of scrap steel -salvaged from an old TV aerial- as a longer base. I could have mounted the 'scope closer in but that would have involved a lot more (fiddly) work.
Homebrew one is well on the way and hope to show it off here in a few days. [Just doing a little bit at a time in some spare minutes.]
Wow!!!! That looks great! Just goes to show what an engineer can do when something needs an adaption. I would never have been able to come up with that idea. :wavemulticolor:
The original stand as Jeff said was an $11 or so cheap jobbie from HK, that would only fit a pen. I bought it ages ago and just slung it away as I was so disappointed with it. Now it's custom made for my KB :yahoo:
QuoteA length of pipe and a threaded worm drive would be easy to build, especially in ABS plastic.
It is probably a simple mechanism but, the point is, to build something from scratch can be rather time consuming. The secret is to think about it, make notes and sketches and then go away and come back later and repeat this process several times until you have a clear idea of what it might look like.
(http://www.australian-coins.net/gallery/albums/userpics/10055/Stand.jpg)
Incidentally, this coin was in the change from the supermarket today.
Quote from: 'JeffH' pid='31895' dateline='1382435861'to build something from scratch can be rather time consuming.
Oh, I dunno.. I knocked something up in about ten minutes:
One milk bottle, cut 4-6 inches from the spout
(height determines field of view, and therefore size of coin it can image). Since the scope is a loose fit, and not wanting to resort to tape to make it a snug fit, I cut a 1.25L soft drink bottle, immediately below the neck, then trimmed it down to form a concave washer about 1cm wide, forming a skirt pressed onto the barrel of the scope. Cut a panel out of one side of the milk bottle, pop the scope with its skirt into the spout, and away you go.
But...
After playing around with it, I've decided this vertical approach is pretty useless with scopes. The pictures are really really flat, even if you turn off the LEDs and light the bottle from the sides. There's just no life to the pics. I reckon a camera is much better suited to this, and leave the scope for really close up work instead.
That said, I could see it being useful in place of a magnifying glass for quick examination of coins.
But it is not adjustable -mine is :tease:. Please incorporate your "threaded worm drive" as suggested previously and show us a picture. :taunt:
QuoteI reckon a camera is much better suited to this, and leave the scope for really close up work instead.
The stand I built is very sturdy and has a spot that I can mount a bracket for my camera (plus a light, or two). The 'scope bracket swivels so I can turn that out of the way and not have to remove it to use a camera. So, fitting up a camera will be stage II of this project. First I have to find the right screw to fit the tripod mount on the camera.
Quote from: 'JeffH' pid='32056' dateline='1382561800'But it is not adjustable -mine is :tease:. Please incorporate your "threaded worm drive" as suggested previously and show us a picture.
Yes I know. This was just a quick and dirty low-tech way to get results.
Adding a threaded rod entails fixing it to something, which means a solid support, and ends up looking a lot like yours. The milk bottle becomes just a diffuser and may as well be eliminated.
Still, more tests are in order. ;)
I keep telling you old mate, Get a bigger desk so that you can fit more stuff on it :yahoo:
Jeff, Scope stand received a couple days ago. Thanks heaps! I haven't set it up yet, but will do so when I start doing images again. :yahoo: