ISEN-ASTC-L is a service of the Association of Science-Technology Centers
Incorporated, a worldwide network of science museums and related institutions.
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That sort of thing works better with cheaper cameras.  Try one of the < $50 board cameras from Supercircuits or Spytown.
Another thing: 
Outfits like Thor Labs and Melles Griot have modular optical mounts that accept standard microscope objectives (DIN or RMS thread) and 
c-mount devices either internal or external thread.  So for not too much you can make a very nice "laboratory style" video scope.

Reagan Cole
Durham, NC




-----Original Message-----
>From: Cobie Howard <[log in to unmask]>
>Sent: Mar 29, 2007 3:20 PM
>To: [log in to unmask]
>Subject: microscopes
>
>ISEN-ASTC-L is a service of the Association of Science-Technology Centers
>Incorporated, a worldwide network of science museums and related institutions.
>*****************************************************************************
>
>We have an exhibit that uses a security camera from Jameco (<$100) and a
>9 inch color TV from WalMart (about $100) connected together to make an
>inexpensive video microscope.  To focus on close-up objects, we
>unscrewed the lens from the front of the camera and remounted both
>camera and lens inside a plastic tube, with the lens slightly further
>away from the CCD than the manufacturer intended.  The depth of field
>isn't great, but it works well otherwise.  
>
> 
>
>Cobie Howard
>
>Exhibit Developer
>
>Explora Science Center and Children's Museum of Albuquerque
>
>505-224-8306
>
> 
>
>
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