Need computer microscope

[jcarter]

Hi everyone,
Need your advice again,,,,,,,,,,,
My grandkids are now old enough to want to look at bugs and things with a microscope, so I was looking at the kind that you can hook up to the computer and view on the big screens.
This one looks excellent,
The QX5
http://www.compuvisor.com/qx5diblmicom.html
Not very expensive, but lots of fun, I would think.
Have any of you got one of these, or could recommend one?
Thank you,
Jane

 

[D76]

Just a thought, Jane: If the grand kids' computer is a PC, it would save you $8 over the Mac-software version. But you could find out whether the thing comes with the Windows install even if you order the Mac software. If it does, and you get the Mac install, as well, the microscope would work at your place, too.

[jcarter]

Good thought!
Actually Ive got it planned for here, as they have a real 'scope at their house.

We have a telescope with a 6 inch mirror that we are taking up to Maine to their vacation house in the mountains, as there is no power there, and thus no light pollution.
So that should be a lot of fun.  For the clock drive, we can run an invertor off our truck, and not have to power up the noisy generator.

Isnt it fun when the grandkids get old enough to really enjoy fun stuff!
Jane

[D76]

What? No kerosene-powered hi-def TV?

[jcarter]

Ive got a Mac so old that it runs on kerosene!  

Actually they dont have a TV in either house, the house in the city(Boston) has many computers, and a DVD player, but no television.
The grandkids sometimes watch our old TV when they are here.
All our kids are quite musically talented, maybe thats why they dont really take time to watch TV.

I scanned thru all our channels yesterday just to see what was actually ON!  Oh, my god, I just cant believe some of it!  Brain dead,,,,,,,Cable, many many channels, but we watch perhaps only 5 or 6.  Cant wait for the day that our cable companies let us purchase "a-la-carte".
The PBS stations, History Channel, Discovery, and this type of TV is what we mostly watch.  Red Sox sometimes,
Jane

[Frances144]

I will be very interested in any replies you get as my lot would love a microscope and I want to buy 'em one either for PC or Mac.

F

[kelly]

I think it's probably the best one to get.

Others seem to be several hundred dollars.

[jcarter]

I think I will go ahead and get it.  There are some reviews that say its not really worth it, but I think that for $80, it will be good for the kids to view bugs, flowers, and things that will be fun around here in the yard.
All in all, It will be enough at least for a couple of years when something probably better will be on the market.
Jane

[gunug]

I own the Intel version of that thing (QX4?) and I really think it's kind of neat although I'd like more adjustments in hardware and software.  It came with software for both MAC's (OS 8-9) and PC's and it was USB so I didn't have a lot of trouble setting it up!    We've got some hi-zoom cameras on goosenecks in the school district that will do some of that stuff and are nice for science classes (don't know the name brand though).

[jcarter]

Great! Thanks, Gunug and all,
 I would need a bit of instruction for the add ons that youve spoken about.  
But I do think that I will order this thing.  Get the kids started and me to learn about it.  We love fun stuff!
Thanks!
Jane

[Parker]

No offense
but the QX5 SUCKS!

Don't waste your money
it's nothing like a real microscope

It focuses very poorly

I have the PC version of an older model, the QX3, and it hasn't changed much.
There's only one focus, unlike on regular microscopes where there's a 10x in the eyepiece

But hey, if you're only looking at small stuff to impress the kids, knock yourself out
For science class, it did not work that well.

Take care,
Parker

And yea gunug,
the stuff at the school is so much better than the QX3/4/5.

The gooseneck camera is also pretty cool,
we have one of those

unfortunately, as much as i've tried to fight it, we've switched over from macs to total PC's (Dell Optiplex's)

We also have a camera adapter at school for the regular accu-scopes.
They work pretty well

Anyways, happy shopping
Take Care y'all,
Parker

[jcarter]

Interesting,  So before I go ahead with ordering this QX5, I should look at some other alternatives.
Which would you recommend?
Thanks,
Jane

[sandbox]

jane would using already scoped items be useful?
there are so many great photos on the web, like:
http://www.microscopy-uk.org.uk/index.html...tro/insect.html

[kelly]

Jane. IMO. Take Parker's observations with a Grain of Salt.

For what you want it's going to be ok.

The better ones are hundreds of dollars.

Teens like Parker are just not easily impressed.

[jcarter]

Hi Sandbox,  Great link!  They live in the Boston area so get to see all the great stuff at the Science Museum and other great places, so they have seen a lot of wonderful things.
But they are getting ready at 5, 7, and the cousin is almost 6, to start to experiment by themselves with the educational toys.  
I think that the oldest grandchild, Henry, has gotten to see the electron microscope where our daughter works.  That thing is just amazing.
This is probably why Teens like Parker probably dont remember what it was like when they were 5 and 7.  They get to see the great stuff and these little toys just can't compare.  
It is wonderful to see the opportunities that the youngsters of this age have!  
Thanks again for the advice, yes, this QX5 will be great for the grandkids, then I will pass it on to our local grammar school when they get tired of it.
Jane