EEVblog Electronics Community Forum
General => General Technical Chat => Topic started by: iXod on March 15, 2013, 07:45:43 pm
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Great review(s) re. your ultimate microscope, the Mantis. Pure envy!
But for those of us without $3K-plus in our budget -- I've always thought how nice it would be to make my own video microscope: a small close-up (variable focal-length?) video camera and a small display (6" minimum) with a port for larger monitors.
How about your next project, Dave?
Cheers.
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These things are quite handy: https://www.google.com/search?q=usb+microscope&tbm=isch (https://www.google.com/search?q=usb+microscope&tbm=isch)
Of course, as with everything, there is the good, the bad and the ugly. I have one that costed me like $50 and it is ok for the occasional need to have a good enlarged look at something.
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Problem with most of these is focal distance is small. Need working distance enough to solder and see something that might be taller than a PCB.
Also ideal is a 5 or 6 inch LCD display mounted right below so I can look down, rather than larger monitor so you don't have to be looking elsewhere than down (makes for weird hand coordination and neck problems).
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Ask Fran: Build Your Own Microscope! (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xsudre3t0xk#ws)
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Useful tip their Fran... good for those individuals who are on a low monetary budget, and wish to experiment.
Unfortunately my age now and eyesight is problematic, ::) unable to see SMD or even want too now days;
so sticking with through-hole electronics for my projects while stocks last, and where available; so as the
interest takes me, to spend time at the bench.
Although after any useful experiment, with a wanted or good outcome, :-+ I spend far more time drawing out the circuit,
drafting the enclosure details to a manufacturing level; it's a hard habit to break, :-\ after so many years in R&D.
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Fran,
Nice "home tech".
What video camera are you using to take those vids?
Thanks.
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That is a great idea, never thought to combine a couple low cost loupes to get a working microscope. Lots of potential for use with other projects! Thanks for the insight Fran.