Usb Microscope In The Shop?

omni_dilletante

omni_dilletante

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Using a magnifying glass or loupe to check tool alignment requires that I get me noggin down close to the tool and sometimes my neck does not bend the right way or my noggin is too big to get it where it needs to go.

I thought that a USB microscope could help. I could position the scope and look at the image on a screen.

But every time I look into it I get bogged down in the connectivity. My iPad does not connect to a microscope, or I could not get the USB cable to the computer on the next floor, etc.

Today I Googled the idea again and found there is an app for my Android phone that will allow me to connect a USB microscope to my phone (or other cheap Android device). Bingo!

Now that I solved the connectivity issue I am wondering if I can learn from other's experience in using a USB microscope in the shop.

I am not able to find much information on what magnification you get from different distances. I found one blog post that said from 4" away you get 10x magnification (which is pretty good). I am wondering if anyone can shed more light on this?

So, what are peoples experiences in with USB scopes in the shop?
 
I just use the camera on my iPhone itself. Great for seeing blind bolts or electrical connectors, and you can zoom in. But, in general, I dislike mixing electronic devices and my garage/workshop.
 
I've been watching for a microscope at the right price on my local classifieds for a couple years. Part of the issue I've run into is deciding what variety to prioritize. The USB are cool, but I also want a stereo microscope. And a high power "regular" compound microscope. And a scanning electron microscope...
 
For our machinist related sorts of applications I think a stereo microscope would be almost a requirement.

I haunted craigslist for months and a really nice stereo-zoom one came up at a barely affordable price and I grabbed it.

No regrets. Shows fine detail in 3D and I'll never need another.

Add an LED ringlight if it doesn't have one - they're cheap on eBay and make a big difference.

Stu
 
lapping relief valve seats, they need to be scratch free we used a digital microscope to inspect the seats until they were perfect. our rv program demanded zero leakage. it really helped
 
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