| Introduction:
We reported
about the Microscope Pen on July 9th 2003. For a change this is an
interesting Gadget that does not need batteries. The manufacturer
MicroscopePen located in the Silicon Valley (close to the sprawling
head quarters of I4U) sent us a free sample of the Microscope Pen.
Experience:
You don't have to be working as a forensic
Expert on CSI to appreciate this lightweight microscope. The
microscope is not longer than a Pen and it is as thick as a marker. It
has a pen clip so it can be safely put in a shirt pocket. It is
well made and makes a professional grade impression. The lenses are
protected by plastic covers. The top one is connected to the pen, so
it stays on when opened. The bottom one is not and you need to take
care not to loose it. The microscope magnifies what ever you look at
100 times. So I started to hunt for specimen. Cat hair, dead ant, dust
particles etc. What would you know a cat hair is thicker than a
human hair. No time to verify that with a representative number of
samples. I am not a scientist anyway.
It takes a bit of playing around to get the hang of getting a sharp
picture through the microscope. There is a ring above the bottom
lens to adjust the focus. Moving the pen a little up and down helped
me find the focus. Also you need to put the specimen centered under
the pen to see it. The field of view is only 1.5mm (but i guess that
is with all microscopes). Also make sure there is enough light
available that can reach through the transparent end of the pen to
the specimen.
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- Remove protective covers from both ends of the pen.
- Place the clear acrylic tip above the specimen.
- Observe specimen through the eyepiece carefully.
- Adjust focus by rotating the adjuster ring or changing the
angle of the pen.
- To increase visibility, increase intensity of external light
source.
- Replace both protective covers when finished with observation.
- Do not look directly at the sun or other strong light source
with this microscope. Eye damage may result.
- This product is not a toy. Keep out of the reach of children.
- If any sign of discomfort develops, stop using this product
immediately.
Interesting link:
MicroAngela
- Microscope Image Gallery
Specifications:
weight - 2.0 oz
Size - 5.5" x 0.75"
100x Magnification
Field of View - 1.5mm
Fully Coated All Glass Optics
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Pros:
very portable
high quality manufacturing
Cons:
you need a steady hand
you cannot write with it ;)
Conclusion:
I think this is a great gadget for science interested teenager
or the professional forensic expert. The price is fair. The product
really feels high quality.
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