In the old days, a high quality stereo microscope or dissecting scope was essential to take meteorite appreciation to the next level. Many of us were quick to attempt photography through the eyepiece, and when digital cameras reached sufficient megapixel number, a new photographic power was in the hands of the hobbyist. But today, a new visual superpower is available with serious performance, portability, and microscopic magnification!
They go by many names and prices vary widely, but the term microscope is fairly consistent whether preceded by other words like soldering, coin, digital, portable, wireless, video, autofocus, electronics, pluggable, collection, biological, or student. And prices vary just as widely, however depending on your expectations and tolerance for operational frustrations, next level observations can be made for the price of a few grams of Allende. In the case of the scopes discussed here, I am containing my thoughts to those within the one magnitude range of $20-$200.
Overall, the optics and electronics within the scope are similar so cost savings, or extra expense for that matter, is usually found in the stability of the frame, the lighting options, and the operational smoothness, all of which can make or break the user experience.
Another aspect of these types of digital microscopes that varies widely is the size and quality of the LCD screen, but like many TVs today, the quality goes from great to unbelievable. But again, the larger the screen, the more weight and volume to be managed by the frame. So let’s talk about that management. A general weakness of any low weight or even “portable” microscope is the overall stability of the unit. The main issues here are vibration and ease of focus with the former affecting the latter. A weak frame, or one overloaded by a large monitor might bounce around quite a bit while adjusting the focus, zoom, and adjusting lighting angles if using the often-included onboard light pipes. With some practice, it is possible to predict the landing site of the focus and make adjustments in anticipation of the image once it stabilizes. That said, some larger, lighter versions are maddeningly hard to use at higher power.
And speaking of power or magnification, this is a bone of contention in that the combination of optical/digital visual amplification can easily, quickly and absurdly blow up the field of view well beyond anything usable, all while maintaining a low price. It reminds me of the inexpensive telescopes that advertise many hundreds of power even though the scope’s optics are barely usable beyond maybe 25x or if you’re lucky , 50x. Most of the digital microscopes advertise at least 1000x with many bragging about 2000x or even 4000x! Because of the large-display digital or non-molecular aspect of the optical system, reaching eye-watering levels of magnification are possible, and actually not near as bad as the old days where glass optics alone were being manipulated into near-impossible contortions for visible light waves. Often, it is the flimsy skeletal frame holding all the pieces together that limits the usability of the higher magnifications. Some versions have remote controls for adjustments allowing a hands-off approach which vastly reduces the vibrations and increases the speed of operation.
The operation of the scope is usually done with three adjustments. First is the distance between the object and the scope’s optic. The second is the zoom setting on the scope that adjusts the field of view in relation to the distance from the object. And the third is the focus. All three of these can be affected by the lighting so often adjustments to position, zoom and focus occur alongside adjustments to lighting.
On the good side, the low cost and simplicity of operations allows even the youngest users to use this observational tool for once-impossible inspection of small objects. It is easy to get lost in the magic of inspecting meteorites close up. The sheer speed of manipulation, and a display-view rather than through two, or more likely one eyepiece truly makes the microscope disappear during the journey. In other words, the few controls on the scope and the relatively large screens makes manipulation of the object under study easy, fast and oriented however you want in the display.
Now take all this power and ease of operation and skip the extra camera because most of these scopes have not only built-in image capture, but also video capture. Many record directly onto SD or microSD cards, while others can plug directly into a computer. And still others can share image data wirelessly. Of course the price-point of the scope often reflects both the number and quality of the image capture and sharing capabilities, but like most digital tools today, they are all likely quite good. Even more, many output the display signal via HDMI allowing even more options and power when connected to other larger screens or computer interfaces.
As far as portability, my experience with my three versions of these scopes is that there are two main aspects to consider. The first is onboard power. Some scopes have built-in rechargeable batteries that power the scope, display and lights. Others have USB cords that need to be plugged into a power source whether external battery or a phone charger-like transformer. I’ve not had good luck with onboard batteries lasting anywhere long enough to be usable, but of course you can plug in those scopes meaning you do have the best of both worlds.
Another consideration is how the scope comes apart for transport, or even alternative setup. The basic parts are the base, the frame (usually with rack and pinion adjusting rail), the lights, and the combination microscope and display (usually one unit). Many frames have a collar that the scope slides into, so the scope and display easily and quickly separates from the frame/base. Often the base is firmly attached to the frame so disassembly takes time and perhaps a tool. The lights are all over the place from base mounts, to frame mounts to scope mounts. They are usually on flexible shafts and can easily move around preventing damage when shoved into a case or bag for transport. But do explore accessory lighting options as the light pipes often do not bend far enough or hold their shape consistantly.
For those more adventurous, there is plenty of room for improvement that a few hours in the shop could address. It’s possible to buy a high quality microscope in a disappointing frame and base. And in most cases, the onboard lights are barely more than an afterthought in terms of adjustability, stability, and reach. So if you want to retrofit a existing tool frame, build a more permanent home for the scope, the sky’s the limit!
Until next time….
