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	We have several different video microscopes in use. On is an 
older Zeiss that was donated about 20 years ago and two others are 
Olympus microscopes that were also donated but much more recently. 
They all are connected via cameras to large screen video (LCD or 
CRT). Ours are facilitated. Free use is a problem as the microscope 
will have to be encased to protect its parts other than the focus 
knobs or objective lenses. Even then you run the risk of the lenses 
being focused into the object you want the visitors to observe. 
Visitors are very, very hard on microscopes and they are not easy for 
them to use. Searching for very small things to see at high 
magnification is not something that is intuitive. What will you be 
"showing"; living or non living materials? Do you need transmission 
or reflection? Will a Wentzscope work? They are very durable, project 
a good image (though not to a video) on a 3 inch screen and are very 
easy to use EasyView microscope (made by Bud Wentz). Alternatively, 
we have experience with an Optech Magicam which is a zoom camera, 
controlled by push buttons that visitors can look at anything they 
wish (reflective only).

Let me know if you need more or specific informatio.

Martin


>
>
>Hey All,
>
>I am curious what kind of video microscopes folks are using on the floor of
>their museums.  This one will be facilitated part of the time but will have
>other times when it will be free use.
>
>Thanks,
>
>Mike
>
>
>
>
>Mike Levad
>Lead Exhibit Developer
>651-789-4735 (direct)
>651-631-2211 xt.735
>651-631-0707fax   
>Toll free: 800-433-9599
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>www.splitrockstudios.com
>
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-- 
Martin Weiss, Ph.D
Vice President, Science
New York Hall of Science
47-01 111 th Street
Corona, New York 11368
718 699 0005 x 356

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For information about the Association of Science-Technology Centers and the Informal Science Education Network please visit www.astc.org.

Check out the latest case studies and reviews on ExhibitFiles at www.exhibitfiles.org.

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