USB Microscope Photographing Coins.

Hi,

I just hooked up my $ 26 (free S/H) Mambate USB Digital Microscope model # iT7 that I received in the mail today.

I have attached some photos for reference that I took this afternoon using a fluorescent light source from a detached light.

The iT7 does come equipped, however, with eight (8) digital LEDs with three levels of light intensities: low, high, & off. For these particular shots I decided to use my own light source although on other differently toned coins I am sure that the included eight lights would sufficiently work .

On another issue I think I am going to purchase an inexpensive used traditional high school type microscope that comes with an adjustable height that can be incrementally changed via a finger-rotated knob etc.

Then I am going to mount this iT7 onto this high school type microscope which will allow for more precise and stable focusing that should result in a picture more quickly suitable for photographing. The lens of this high school type microscope would then be deactivated in my jury-rigged design since I will only interested in the movable portions of the microscope's frame etc.

I attempted to perform very small focal adjustments using the integrated cylindrical dial feature included within the iT7 but feel that my integrated movable microscope hybrid design should be much more stable and quicker when focusing in on any coin's details.

In summary for the price the iT7 is worth the investment since I anticipate only having to spend < $ 15 especially if I am lucky enough to pick up a discarded microscope at a rummage or thrift store etc.

fyi,
mdpmedia

PS.: The diameter of the copper Mexican coin is just over one (1) inch while the US ASE is obviously about 1.5"

PSS: Although the enclosed instruction booklet indicates that the included software on the CD will only function with Windows XP and Vista, the program did successfully install on my Windows 7 OS as evidenced by the attached photos.

Hey CB,

Per your request I have posted some closeups of a few Canadian coins that you most likely would be very familiar with.

I forgot to mention that the included software on the model iT7 USB microscope also includes a basic but useful photo measurement tool. I made some random length and angle measurements on the '48 Canadian 5 cent piece for your review.

Being that I have not taken the time to read up on the details of properly using this measurement software I am still unsure if both the length and angle measurements that I made on this attached photo are accurate and in correct proportion to the corresponding magnification scale that I utilized in this photo etc.

Also keep in mind that no extra light filters were used on these shots; the best available nearby ambient light settings were incorporated into the shots.

Finally, the previously-alluded-to adjustable microscope stand attached to the iT7 was not used with these shots which could account for not achieving the most optimum precision and clarity in these attached closeups.

Hopefully, these additional shots will provide you further clarification so that you will be able to make a better and more informed decision.

fyi,

mdpmedia

PS: The three attached photos as seen in descending order are:

1) 1948 Canada 5 cents
2) 1936 Canada 5 cents
3) 1971 Canada 1 new penny

Earle,

Regarding the price I believe that they were having an end-of-the-year clearance sale or something.

The Mac compatibility questions should be left for the distributor to answer.

But yes, one can definitely clearly see the picture before both the video and/or still photo are captured.

The specs. and most of the answers to your questions should be found at:

http://www.buy.com/prod/200x-usb-di...rId=18700237

One of the reasons I purchased this item was because of the low amount of capital investment.

If this unit becomes damaged from moisture, rough handling, or static electricity damage, replacing it will be a no-brainer.

My initial and primary goal was to acquire a device to lessen the eye and neck strain by viewing my laptop when photographing coins.

I do not want to go as far as to endorse this product since my length of ownership has not yet exceeded 24 hours.

But my initial impression is that this product should greatly assist me in taking lifelike photos of coins for posting on the Internet.

I hope this info. helps.

mdpmedia

Wow!

That's getting in there pretty tight. This would be good for looking at D/S mintmarks etc.

I appreciate your info. I have been, since posting this, attempting to find a good price on one. I am in total agreement with you on the low initial cost. Two cats, two kids, and a large dog's wagging destructo-club tail can sometimes make for a disaster with items like this.

Thanks again for posting and your info. I have been thinking of getting one of these recently and you are helping me to get closer to the point where my wife is going to be saying, "What was that you said you ordered?"

, droid754!

Hey Earle,

Just a suggestion to facilitate domestic approvals for USB microscopes:

Train the dog's large wagging tail to dust the coffee table instead of knocking everything off.

Your wife will then be so impressed that she will have to reward your efforts with a on the USB microscope purchase.

mdpmedia

westcoin said:



Thanks for that info. I admit it is not a surprise (OS X seems to do everything right!) - but definitely a good confirmation.

mdpmedia said:



I have a feeling with the intelligence level of my dog the entire combined force of intellectuals in the country could not train her! Maybe I should not have named her Kitty - it has her mentally bamboozled (but she is a sweet one with the kids!)."

@oih82w8:
This is very impressive and what I would like one to be able to do. What are the specs on yours? Is it one of the 800X scopes?

Initially I had the idea of making an adaptor between my camera and my stereoscope - but I am thinking a USB scope would be a lot less hassle.

Thanks for the info - a but above my pocket though.