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Bought a microscope!

Discussion in 'All Other Observing Equipment' started by Robert Clark, Nov 25, 2015.

Bought a microscope!

Started by Robert Clark on Nov 25, 2015 at 11:09 PM

13 Replies 2424 Views 2 Likes

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  1. Robert Clark

    Robert Clark Well-Known Member

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    Robert Clark, Nov 25, 2015
    #1
    Well, I already had a vintage compound one, but it gets more use as a "look at" than a "look through". I also bout a small rock collection to tinker with too. It's a stereo scope. I'll post pics on arrival!
     
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  2. Robert Clark

    Robert Clark Well-Known Member

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    Robert Clark, Nov 25, 2015
    #2
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  3. george

    george Developer

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    george, Nov 27, 2015
    #3
    Hey everybody needs an indoor hobby as well :) Our resident solar astronomer, Sergio, also like microscopes. Hes kinda DIYer and finds and fixes ones he comes across on eBay and Craigslist.

    I know I always liked biology in HS when we got to look at things under the microscope. That was pretty much the only time I actually participated in class :) .I was the only one in our group of 3 willing enough to poke myself a bit to look at some blood under the microscope lol.

    I think microscopes are especially fun for kids because there is no limit to things you can look at. When mine gets a bit older I'll probably pick one up myself.
     
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  4. Robert Clark

    Robert Clark Well-Known Member

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    Robert Clark, Nov 27, 2015
    #4
    Decided to change your avatar George? I like it. If you get a microscope I would recommend a stereo. You can use on everyday objects like coins, rocks, and plants and such. That advice was given me by the guys on the other site, and I didn't heed it (as usual lol..) With a compound one, there's slides to get and you can't just casually throw random objects at passing to check them out! I can't wait. ;)

    Then get a compound afterwards! Lol
     
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  5. alanoodle

    alanoodle Member

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    alanoodle, Nov 28, 2015
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    Nice looking microscope. Even nicer that you're getting it at about half-price. Have fun with it!
     
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  6. george

    george Developer

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    george, Nov 28, 2015
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    Thanks, just have to change things up every once in a while. I will keep the stereo scope microscope in mind when I get a around to purchasing one. I may do what Sergio does and look for a used medical one that is usually missing a part or the light went out so they go for a lot less. I also used to be in the recycling industry so I have a few contacts for pre-owned industrial equipment.
     
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  7. KeithF

    KeithF Well-Known Member

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    KeithF, Nov 28, 2015
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    Nice! One of my young grandson's is into science. I live about 1-1/2 blocks from the open desert and he likes to go on walks with grandma and grandpa and explore. We already got him a normal microscope, but it sounds like a stereo scope would be more fun for him. I'm sure he'll be able to find plenty of samples to look at on our explorations. Thanks for the idea Robert!
     
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  8. Robert Clark

    Robert Clark Well-Known Member

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    Robert Clark, Nov 28, 2015
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    The one bought is portable too. It takes AA batteries to run the lights, so it can be taken in the field. Thanks for the encouragement on my purchase also! Feel like a kid waiting. Lol... Also George, Ebay is a great source for used microscopes that are vintage and good shape. I bought my first compound one for $25! It wasn't great, but for the price I was and AM very happy with it. There's a stereo scope on a "boom" stand that I would've jumped on, had I not ordered this one. The boom stands are much more adjustable and have more room.
     
  9. Dr. Ski

    Dr. Ski Well-Known Member

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    Dr. Ski, Nov 29, 2015
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    Being a Semiconductor Physicist and having spent the better part of my life scrutinizing minute details thru high power microscopes and Scanning Electron Microscopes I can appreciate anyone's enthusiasm for delving into the fascinating world of Microscopy. But I have to ask the obvious question: "What the hell does this have to do with Astronomy"???
     
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  10. george

    george Developer

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    george, Nov 29, 2015
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    @Dr. Ski it just happens to be one of those hobbies that coincides with astronomy a bit. I do agree it does not have much to do with astronomy but technically it is an observing equipment. From my perspective this microscopy is a good alternative when you are unable to do astronomy :). As we do not have a specific forum setup currently for this topic, at this time we will have to leave this thread where it is.
     
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  11. Robert Clark

    Robert Clark Well-Known Member

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    Robert Clark, Nov 29, 2015
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    Lol! It doesn't have anything at all to do with astronomy! It's in the forum of "All Other Observing Equipment" if I were talking about using a spotting scope for target practice, it would go here in this forum. Unless I was shooting at the moon of course. Then it would fall under a lunar observing forum. ;)-

    Also @Dr. Ski i meant to tell you, the scenery and flora in the pic you posted in the "astronomy" forum was beautiful. Is it very dark where you're at? Not to get off topic, just had to notice it. I love the woodlands and isolation.
     
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  12. Dr. Ski

    Dr. Ski Well-Known Member

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    Dr. Ski, Nov 29, 2015
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    I can accept that. It's just that when I am unable to do astronomy I like alternatives that have absolutely nothing to do with astronomy:)

    Thanks, Robert. Yes, it is a very dark site except for neighbors who feel they have to illuminate their entire property at night. Hence the reason for the the Astro-brella :) Actually, I plan to post a thread very soon detailing my impressions on observing in the Tropics.
     
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  13. Robert Clark

    Robert Clark Well-Known Member

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    Robert Clark, Dec 2, 2015
    #13
    I look forward to reading it @Dr. Ski
     
  14. Robert Clark

    Robert Clark Well-Known Member

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    Robert Clark, Dec 7, 2015
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    It's here! Couldn't be more pleased.. I give it two thumbs up! Build quality seems really good. Has a nice heft to it but not heavy. Feels solid. All knobs and screws are easily adjustable, without being sloppy. Lubrication on moving parts feels smooth, without being "sticky". I LOVE the rechargeable battery feature. I can pick it up, go look at something elsewhere, come back and plug it in. The wife and youngest daughter spent two hours looking at random household items with me! Everything from their jewelry, to seasoning in the kitchen, and bugs! It was packaged very well. However, the other EP's were taped into indentions on the outsid of the foam. I almost didnt see them. My wife found them, before i sent a reply that they were missing. Lol.... 20151205_105943.jpg 20151205_105843.jpg
     

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