digital microscope

Discussion in 'Coin Chat' started by andycook, Jun 26, 2009.

  1. andycook

    andycook Supporter**

    Do any of the digital microscopes like the QX3 show all of a coin the size of a cent or a little larger? Any suggestions?
     
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  3. clembo

    clembo A closed mind is no mind

    I can tell you the QX3 won't even on 10X. Others may.
     
  4. AUBU2

    AUBU2 Senior Member

    Comparison Shopping!!!

    Hi, i've been looking at USB microscopes. I never considered that fact. Thanks for posting. I've seen some that suggest their models for coin & stamp collectors, but i have'nt noticed any listed features on coin size. I notice that some models have LCD viewing screens. I hope that some people here post what their microscope features are. I'm finding it hard to compare models, even with online resources(confusing). :desk::headbang:
     
  5. andycook

    andycook Supporter**

    So Clembo, what can you do with the QX3 and how do you do it? I actually have one for the kids.
     
  6. Arizona Jack

    Arizona Jack The Lincoln-ator

    Andy
    The Q thingy has some issues, but with some determination can be made to work well on coins. Rlm uses one as does several others here.

    I am in the process of saving up for a Dino myself, I have seen both in use and pictures on the web, the Dino is worth the extra in MY case.
     
  7. mark_h

    mark_h Somewhere over the rainbow

    Here are some snapshots from my qx5 at 60xhttp://www.cointalk.com/forum/t54891/

    Once the batteries charge I will post a picture of my new 1868 DDO shield nickel and maybe my 1883 shield nickel.
     
  8. desertgem

    desertgem Senior Errer Collecktor Supporter

    Most of the inexpensive USB scopes do not have the ability to image a whole coin except maybe a 3cent. They emphasis the magnification in the ads, but the optical field is very narrow ( due to the lens construction). Some of the better ( and more expensive) USB scopes have a more sophisticated lens system that combines a wide field ( they sometimes call it extended, WF, WD, etc.) with the magnification. These are more complicated to build and I think for most they are in the $300 + range. The find use in medicine, "CSI" , gemstones, jewelry, and and collectibles ( coins, stamps, insects, etc.) These can easily go from full Morgan size to 200X or more on pinhead size. They are usually limited to less than 5Mp.

    In microscopy, magnification is always second to the resolution. You could have a lens that magnifys 1000X with such a punk resolution, that you can't tell much.

    Jim
     
  9. clembo

    clembo A closed mind is no mind

    I generally use mine for looking at RPMs and RPDs or doubling in some cases. I don't need anything too fancy. After all it is a kids toy.

    The color is not always great but I'm looking for detail more than anything else. I tried a 3 Cent Silver at 10x and can't get the whole coin in the image.

    200x is really difficult to focus. I use 60x mainly. It has served my purposes and I've had it for years but when it finally dies I'll step up a notch or so.
     
  10. andycook

    andycook Supporter**

    I'd be interested in some step by step. The kids have a QX3 I've been saving for the dog days of August that I can borrow.
     
  11. desertgem

    desertgem Senior Errer Collecktor Supporter

    Clembo, I really had trouble with the photo-program that came with the microscope. I found I could import the image directly into my Corel X2 photo program and it made a world of difference in the color and contrast. No more "blooming" from a small shift in light levels. If you have a photo program, see if it allows import from a camera.

    Jim
     
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