Computer Microscope

I am thinking about picking up a QX5 or QX3 pro. I have not read or heard any compliants about either. Does anyone have any suggestions/compliants? Also if anyone has pics that have taken with them, could you post? Thanks.

 

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I have a QX5, and I do like it. This shot is of a 57-D LHC with a die chips on the 1, in the 9 and the 5. at 60x. The only thing I wish, was that there a setting at 100x. It has 10x, 60x and 200x.

 

I haven't used my QX-5 much yet. I know that they don't work on slabbed coins. Unit hits the slab before it reaches focus point.

 

woudnt mind getting one for myself as my eye's are not the greatest anymore and it would be a real help.

De Orc

 

Get a Basic microscope ( not a kids version ) and at least a 3.2 mp camera.

example:

 

[QUOTE='Ol Silver]I haven't used my QX-5 much yet. I know that they don't work on slabbed coins. Unit hits the slab before it reaches focus point.[/QUOTE]

I beg to differ. My QX5 has no trouble focusing through slabs. Here are a few samples:

1921-D VAM 1AM




1921-D VAM 1D




This is through a slab:



These are all at 60x. This may be the best money I've ever spent on my hobby. I couldn't recommend this instrument more highly, for less than $100 it'll pay for itself just by identifying errors you didn't know you had.

There are two difficulties with it. First, the included software, without which the internal light won't function, switches your refresh rate to 60Hz. I have to manually reset it back to my normal setting after each use. Second, the included light shines too directly on the object, requiring me to reduce the light level to avoid washing out higher areas. I'm going to have to rig a diffuser over it.

 

I bought a QX3+ on ebay a couple weeks back for $28.00. It works pretty good my only complaint is the lighting. Trying to get photos of RPM's and OMM's. I need to pay around with it more with a different light source but for the money I think its great and easy to use.

 

By the way, the pics of the morgan ARE through a PCGS slab. After you focus the microscope, the digital camera will allow you to do the rest. Do not use a FLASH!!!! Use an external light source. Like a desk lamp that has a bendable neck

 

Cool, thanks for the help and the pics. My digital camera does not take great pictures. Its a Sony DSC-W1 and takes very blurry pictures of everything, not just coins. Might be leaning towards the QX5....

 

Love my QX3+

 

I was thinking of buying one of these QX3 or QX5's. Do you still have to take pictures of the image with a camera? Can someone tell me how these things work?

 

You can transfer the image direct to you computer and print from there or send the image.
The only trouble I've noticed is the base is too light on my QX5 and makes it difficult to focus without using 2 hands. I use a small flat lead weight aprox 2 pounds to weigh it down, and I occasionally lube the slide.

 

The QX5 hooks directly to the computer through USB, and derives all the power it needs through that interface. It comes with software which allows you to save and export images, and to control the level of light applied by internal lights mounted both above and below the surface.

I imagine it is possible to use the microscope without the included software; I can cause it to bring up a picture and indirectly save that through a screencap. Haven't had time yet to play with my graphics programs to see if I can automate the process.

 

I recently bought a QX5 too and love it. The only difference I've seen (in writing) between the QX5 and the QX3+ is the resolution of the video capture is higher with the QX5. So unless you mean to make videos of your coins, either should do.

I don't use the 200X much for coins....way to close for any practicle use other than being able to see die strike metal flow really well I agree on the lighting being a bit harsh on the high points, but the software does allow you to tweak this and I have easily compensated for this by using additional lighting from a desklamp.

After searching through ebay and the rest of the net, I ended up buying mine from tigerdirect.com. Fast service, and good shipping. All told I think it was around $80. You can get it for cheaper, but for me paying $5-$10more for 5 - 10 times less hassle is well worth it.

 

I'm looking to buy a QX5 but other than Ebay, nobody seem to have it in stock.

 

Thanks everyone for the info. Just one more question can you get an image of the entire coin or just closeups of part of it?

 

I owned a QX3 and was very pleased with the results.

I just placed an order this evening for a QX5 from this company...

http://www.meritline.com/hotinplayser.html

Total price was $78.21 including Two Day Air shipping.

 

Just part of it.

 

THANKS

 

Thank you Benz. I'm going to order one from that site.