USB Microscopes 

After researching compact microscopes for some time, I found Dino-Lite based in Taiwan to have one of the best offerings of these at this time. Most in their lineup can fit in ones pocket and offer an excellent range of features. These include analysis under UV in a variety of wave lengths, infrared, detailed measurement and VGA output. The more features the more you will pay. Their application in lids to me is primarily close examination under high magnification. The AM series of these offer 230x which is plenty for lids and other collectables. The scope is rather small and has a rear sensor trigger for snap shot capture. The lens is protected by a 10mm bezel with protects the LED light source and lens as well as acting as a nice surface buffer for close up examinations. The supplied software is very user friendly. I like being able to turn the 8 onboard LEDS off periodically when in a well lit area. Light shining cross axis from an external light source gives a very different perspective on a subject as you will see below. The following are a few sample image. I think this format microscope has great potential and is my new companion screening tool at future antique events, bottle shows, collectables fair sand beyond.

The following is the scope and optional stand reviewing a queens head:-

Now let’s review the following US lid more closely:-

The test setup

This is the view of the software minimized. It can also be changed to full screen.

Lets now review the above lid cropped.

The following is the above taken with LEDs off and cross axis lighting from a torch.

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