a $15 500x digital "scope"

[wilsonintexas]

I did not expect much for $15, but I thought it was worth a try.

I picked up a digital zoom microscope that is supposed to be 500x for $15 the description is
S02 Portable 1X-500X Continuous Zoom 2.0MP Digital USB Microscope Black
SKU: 23003452

If you google the sku you can find several vendors. I happened to find one that had it down to $15.

The stand that it came with is worthless. It took some time to get anything in focus. I also did not have a decent way to hold the gem, so there are several challenges to overcome to make this practical, BUT this is the first image I was able to capture:




I think that it is worth working on a better stand that will let me control the focus and then probably some stacking software.

AT least for less than $30 I now can see the inclusions. ($15 for the camera, and $15 for some bits to make a better focusing stand, (I might be able to modify the one I made for my 35mm camera, but still need something to hold the gemstone,,,,, ) and back field illumination. BUT it is a starting point for very little money.

[wilsonintexas]

I made a quick change to the mount by adding a linear bearing from a sample set that I had on hand. I was able to get some better images.






not to bad for $15

I guess the next step is a gem holder and then illumination.

I found a batch of uv leds from my dads, and I have some polarized material that I can make a start at. I think that I the local resale shop usually has some cameras pretty cheap. I can probably get an iris from one of them for a few bucks.

But for now, those may have to wait. At least I can get some decent pictures and control the focus better. Not to bad for 20 minutes of tinkering.