FS: New 1080P USB microscope for easy SMT soldering - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: diyinhk
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: November 25, 2013, 03:26:54 am
content: True hardware 1080P USB microscope for easy SMT solderingFeature:* 15cm working distance* 1080P 30fps video, object size is 31mm(1920 pixel) x 17mm(1080 pixel) at 15cm working distance* Equipped with tailer made megapixel lens, edge to edge sharpness* UVC compatible, no driver is needed in windows 7 for 1080P operation* True hardware 1920*1080 pixel high quality non-interpolate Large CMOS sensor* Aluminum Stand with precision height adjustmenthttp://www.diyinhk.com/shop/home/48-1080p-smt-microscope.html

author: BravoV
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 25, 2013, 03:31:25 am
content: @ USD299.95This product is not sold individually. You must select at least 10 quantity for this product.Pssstt... this is not Taobao here, are you sure you browsed at the right web site ?

author: SLJ
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 25, 2013, 03:47:53 am
content: But at the bottom it says your only allowed one.

author: jmole
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 25, 2013, 05:25:28 am
content: despite the oblivious lack of seller etiquette, edge-to-edge sharpness in a cheap USB microscope is a rare find. if the image is legit, this looks like a good piece.

author: codeboy2k
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 25, 2013, 09:36:24 am
content: seems like they are just putting a Microsoft LifeCam on a cheap aluminum (likely hollow) stand.. that stand looks like it will be an everyday hassle to deal with, looks flimsy. Should not be worth $299.Notice in the OP's picture on the upside down U-channel, there is a reflection of a blue LED from the top of the LifeCam.They also state in chinglish "The Lens is fixed with glue on the PCB. It is not interchangeable. Don't try to turning it out and it will broken the PCB immediately" So they have glued a lens onto the front of the LifeCam.Oh.. just saw this too "reset the device by select Device > Lifecam Studio" so it is in fact a LifeCam Studio with a different lens glued to the front.

author: kayvee
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 25, 2013, 09:53:10 am
content: No No.... this one is "tailer made"

author: BravoV
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 25, 2013, 09:57:36 am
content: Quote from: codeboy2k on November 25, 2013, 09:36:24 amNice, sharp eyes !Now to OP, how about just selling the lens and the stand, how much will that cost ? Only 1 please, not 10.Few more comparison shots vs Microsoft LifeCam studio.

author: SLJ
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 25, 2013, 12:49:08 pm
content: I have a USB Lifecam sitting in a drawer I'm not using along with a couple of dead Halogen lamps which would make great adjustable stands. I'll have to try it.

author: bingo600
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 25, 2013, 05:11:38 pm
content: I'm quite sure that Lady Ada was the first place i was one mentioned.I looked it up , it was like this onehttp://www.ebay.com/itm/280994270364Another price at 60$./Bingo

author: diyinhk
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: December 02, 2013, 10:50:24 pm
content: Quote from: codeboy2k on November 25, 2013, 09:36:24 amthe glue is used to avoid loose of screw thread, The Lens is fixed with precision fixture and screw directly on the PCB.it's natural and normal all camera has reflection problem if the lens and light source is point directly at the same right angle to the object surfacethe easier way is point it at little angle, use polarization filter, use light source from different angle etc.yes, it's microsoft 1080p lifecam studio! the sensor quality is guaranteeafter trying many sub100 vga(fake megapixel) microsope, I decided use sensor from famous brandmicrosoft 1080p lifecam studio =$99.95MSRP (~60 market)Stand = ~60+30(added parts)megapixel lens + precision fixture=90Cree LED lighting =30plus testing and assemblyif there are enough person have interest, and just order the parts for diyer to modification, the cost can be down at less 70%(not including lifecam studio).but be careful when modding, I permanently damaged 3 lifecam studio during modification before perfect mod every later one.

author: diyinhk
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: December 02, 2013, 10:56:56 pm
content: Quote from: bingo600 on November 25, 2013, 05:11:38 pmyes, it's mod of this stand.The quality of this stand can be good but the QC of this stand is bad,I got some with missed screw thread, etc

author: diyinhk
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: December 02, 2013, 10:58:28 pm
content: Quote from: BravoV on November 25, 2013, 09:57:36 amif there are enough person have interest, and just order the parts for diyer to modification, the cost can be down 70%(not including lifecam studio).but be careful when modding, I permanently damaged 3 lifecam studio during modification before perfect mod. every later one...

author: proxime
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: December 08, 2013, 02:36:58 pm
content: What is the magnification factor of this microscope?

author: diyinhk
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: December 12, 2013, 08:49:12 am
content: Quote from: proxime on December 08, 2013, 02:36:58 pmobject size is 31mmx17mm = 1920 x 1080 pixel at 15cm working distanceDifferent monitor has different pixel size and magnification factor in computer monitor should not applicable.I have just done some demonstration video hope can helphttp://www.diyinhk.com/support/cam1080a.mp4http://www.diyinhk.com/support/cam1080b.mp4The first video demonstrate the motion quality of the microscope, most usb camera only capable of static quality, when the object is moving, serious motion blur will happen and it is not good for real time smt soldering.The second video demonstrate the depth of field of the microscope, the PCB is 45 degree to the table. The XMOS chip is 10x10mm, using triangle formula the DOF is large >10mm for this kind of device.*The mp4 file is direct capture using virtualdub and recompress using sony vegas to mp4 at 16Mbps.*The raw video capture is already mpjeg compress but it is still very large 100MB=5 second. It is available below for people need to examine the video quality seriouslyhttp://www.diyinhk.com/support/cam1080a.avi

author: Shock
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 12, 2013, 06:05:58 pm
content: Interesting mod on two products.This would be the ultimate mod for me with a Microsoft Lifecam Studio for around $200 US plus LEDs.

author: diyinhk
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: December 15, 2013, 07:39:26 am
content: Quote from: Shock on December 12, 2013, 06:05:58 pmIf anybody has experience working with microscope, the powerful lighting can always cause eye pain and heat and it's uncomfort to sit behind. Powerful lighting for microscope is unnecessary and outdated now.The lighting of this little baby uses only four 5mm led and it can achieve the quality as the above 1080p motion blur-less video sample file, it's the best I have ever seem.

author: diyinhk
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 05, 2014, 12:53:21 pm
content: Hope everybody enjoyDIYINHK Lifecam Studio 3mins MOD to High Quality 1080P USB Microscope - YouTube

author: diyinhk
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 06, 2014, 02:43:42 am
content: The senor is hard or impossible to clean if it has dust,better do it in a dust less room and remember to turn off any fan behind the working benchDemonstration video:http://www.diyinhk.com/support/cam1080a.mp4http://www.diyinhk.com/support/cam1080b.mp4The first video demonstrate the motion quality of the microscope, most usb camera only capable of static quality, when the object is moving, serious motion blur will happen and it is not good for real time smt soldering.The second video demonstrate the depth of field of the microscope, the PCB is 45 degree to the table. The XMOS chip is 10x10mm, using triangle formula the DOF is >10mm which is unbeliveable huge for this kind of deviceThis demonstration video also show the sensor dust problem^-^

author: Lightages
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: January 06, 2014, 07:06:33 am
content: OK, what is the lens you used to replace the original? You haven't provided much information.

author: BravoV
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 06, 2014, 07:11:14 am
content: Its an ad in disguised ->https://www.eevblog.com/forum/buysellwanted/fs-new-1080p-usb-microscope-for-easy-smt-soldering/

author: diyinhk
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 06, 2014, 10:14:31 am
content: Quote from: Lightages on January 06, 2014, 07:06:33 amIt's a tailor made high quality megapixel len, you can check the superior quality in the capture video,USB microscope with this kind of quality and resolution are cost thousands of dollar,Yes, this device should impact the main market, if it's popular, nobody will buy those thousand+ microscope.The mod video in youtube is mainly to teach people who want to mod their lifecam studio, they can uses their own lens and tools, sadly if you think it's an ad, everybody showoff their finding will be ads.

author: diyinhk
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 06, 2014, 10:17:02 am
content: Quote from: BravoV on January 06, 2014, 07:11:14 amThe mod video in youtube is mainly to teach people who want to mod their lifecam studio, they can uses their own existing lens and tools in their working bench, sadly if you think it's an ad, everybody showoff their finding will be ads.

author: GeoffS
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: January 06, 2014, 10:34:09 am
content: Quote from: diyinhk on January 06, 2014, 10:17:02 amYou're selling this product according to your first post so it certainly is advertising.

author: BravoV
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 06, 2014, 11:03:59 am
content: Quote from: diyinhk on January 06, 2014, 10:17:02 amJust ask your friend that doesn't aware about the product you're selling to watch that video, I bet they will not have any clue what is that all about ?Is that a lesson on how to dismantle/tear-down the lifecam ? or what ? It doesn't even have any sub-title explaining what are you doing ? Even on the new lens replacement part, watch again, how many seconds in that video showing the clue or hint about the new lens ? After you dismantled the sensor, then suddenly its already installed with the new long lens, like a magic. Why hide it ?Also about the lens ? What new lens ? Nor your video or your new thread (starting at post #16 which is now merged here) giving any details on it. For sure you're trying to hide it, which we all know that new thread will lead to this selling thread.Nothing against bragging, show-off, infact its welcomed here in this forum. Also nothing against the selling either, its just put at the "right place", and also make it clear what is your intention, and if you're selling, I still don't know what "EXACTLY" you intended to sell ? Lens ? How much ?Please, don't ask me how many people will going to buy, and you only able to give the lens price until you have 1000 potential buyers.

author: diyinhk
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 06, 2014, 11:39:04 am
content: at this price point 299.99, smart guy should know I am looking to show off rather than sell offthe video has nothing hidden, After dismantled the sensor, any new lens can be installed on it easily.I permanently damaged three lifecam studio before know the trick to dismantled the lifecam prefectly without damage anything, and it's now share to all the other.If you a lifecam dismantled following the video and have problem on the step, welcome to ask and I am happy to answerQuote from: GeoffS on January 06, 2014, 10:34:09 am

author: liquibyte
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 06, 2014, 11:49:58 am
content: Quote from: diyinhk on January 06, 2014, 11:39:04 amhttp://www.diyinhk.com/shop/I think this explains well enough that you're here to sell stuff.

author: diyinhk
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 06, 2014, 11:56:46 am
content: Quote from: liquibyte on January 06, 2014, 11:49:58 amSmart guy should also know the item in the shop is not target to EEVblog memberI am right here to show off and share, welcome to ask if you have interest and problem to dismantled the lifecam studio

author: liquibyte
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 06, 2014, 12:12:15 pm
content: For someone just looking to show off, I'd say that there is quite the difference in price point between your domain sale and your Ebay sale.http://www.ebay.com/itm/True-1080P-High-quality-USB-microscope-Magnifier-for-SMT-soldering-/231107789204?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item35cf190194= $399.95http://www.diyinhk.com/shop/home/48-1080p-smt-microscope.html= $239.94http://www.microsoft.com/hardware/en-us/p/lifecam-studio/Q2F-00013= $99.95 + what? $50 stand?Don't get into a pissing match about what your intentions are on a site with people that do tech for a living.Just a quick edit: Bragging rights are usually proferred by posting a tutorial on how you did what you did, not that you are selling what you did. You have multiple stores, you aren't here showing us something cool you did. You are here trying to sell stuff. Please try and deny that.

author: diyinhk
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 06, 2014, 12:28:01 pm
content: I am right here to show off and share,if you have interest and problem to dismantled the lifecam studio I am happy to answer and share the experience,eevblog member are all high quality,I am sorry I have no interest to digging around non-technical thing here.Quote from: liquibyte on January 06, 2014, 12:12:15 pm

author: sleemanj
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 06, 2014, 12:28:41 pm
content: Quote from: liquibyte on January 06, 2014, 12:12:15 pmNot to pass judgement on anything, but the fellow is supplying a modified lifecam, he disassembles and replaces the lens assembly with custom one to make the camera more suitable for the purpose.

author: liquibyte
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 06, 2014, 12:38:35 pm
content: It's not the fact that he is supplying a modified cam that bugged me. It's that he's saying that he's not here to sell them. This is an advertisement thread, not a "look how I modified" a cam thread. Disingenuity at it's finest from Hong Kong. Sorry to say it, but it's true.Also note that he signed up and made this his first post in the Buy/Sell/Wanted category. This is not a contributing member posting something for sale, it's an online store presence doing so. On most forums this is considered spam. Good etiquette would seem to be that the people that do this ask permission before doing things like this.

author: codeboy2k
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 06, 2014, 01:02:20 pm
content: I think we can cut him some slack.. lots of people sell stuff here; there are several well established "western" resellers of new and used equipment that actively promote their product, and there are several DIY hobbyists that actively sell their wares here too.When diyinhk first showed up in that other thread, he had an idea to use a lifecam with a different lens and tried to market to us.. but we are too smart for that, so he admits it and goes on to detail how he does it, without giving away the farm and revealing his supplier of the new lens. I think he's being pretty humble about it.Anyone here can view the video and try to duplicate what he's done, or buy his version. The lifecam is not cheap, I would buy his modified lifecam for $150, but not the stand for another $150. He researched it, destroying 3 lifecams in the process of doing so, found a lens supplier, and now he wants to profit from it. There's nothing wrong with that. We all want that, even for ourselves. He has even offered to help anyone attempting it. I have to say that's mighty fair. He sounds like a engineer that likes to tinker just as much as we do.. don't run him out of town just because he's different from us and wants to have a successful product./my thoughts

author: liquibyte
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 06, 2014, 01:58:06 pm
content: Stuff that's been done like this:http://ghonis2.ho8.com/lifecam/lifecam1.html< kind of along the same lines.http://www.weescribble.com/technology-menu/134-soldering-small-stuff-with-help-of-usb-microscopehttp://www.instructables.com/id/Microscope-for-tiny-soldering/http://www.romanblack.com/VGA_microscope/VGAmic.htmhttp://vonkonow.com/wordpress/2012/11/low-cost-stereo-microscope-powered-by-usb/Here's a guy that fitted the lifecam to a microscope:http://www.microbehunter.com/forum/microscopes-and-optics/microscope-suppliers-and-the-difference-in-quality-in-microscopes/This is where this starts showing up on the net by this guy. More will come later I'm sure:http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/vendors-bazaar/246463-new-1080p-usb-microscope-easy-smt-soldering.htmlhttp://www.elektroda.pl/rtvforum/topic2721277.htmlI'll be fair on this and state that he has quite a few posts over at diyaudio that are participatory. Things like this make the signal to noise ratio unbearable in the long run. This is not a tutorial, this is not even good bragging rights, this is an ad, plain and simple. It's been done before this guy so it's not even a novel attempt at doing something new, it's a bid to make money. No offense to anyone that does this but please come up with better ways to seperate me from my money and stop trying to spam the internet with your attempts to ride the bandwagon.

author: Lightages
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: January 06, 2014, 04:13:12 pm
content: I agree with liquibyte. This is just forum spamming in a different form. My responses on this thread actually came from a new thread that the was started in another area of the forum. This guy is just trying to get away with as much free publicity as he can get. There must be an internet term for a sales troll.....

author: quanttrom
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 06, 2014, 04:15:32 pm
content: Internet spam or not.. It is now labelled as FS and in the right part of the forum.That said, are there any other sources for the lens that he uses? The quality of the microscope seems pretty good.

author: Unknown
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: January 06, 2014, 05:28:04 pm
content: Quote from: liquibyte on January 06, 2014, 12:38:35 pmNone of the mods seem to be too bothered with this. I assume they get some sort of commission or a pay per click thing.

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: January 07, 2014, 07:32:57 am
content: The stand is a mod of a USB microscope I review in a video I'm about to release now.Didn't know about this, looks interesting.

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: January 07, 2014, 07:36:44 am
content: Quote from: Lurch on January 06, 2014, 05:28:04 pmNo, we don't.Obviously you didn't read the rules for the Buy/Sell section, commercial postsareallowed. But they should also stick around and answer questions etc.

author: diyinhk
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 07, 2014, 09:00:41 pm
content: Quote from: EEVblog on January 07, 2014, 07:32:57 amI am very happy to heard EEVblog Administrator has interesting on this modactually, I told to ship this item and I have asked the shipping address two year ago(is it still correct? the 3KC address? email date 2012-7-4) But I am busy until this days, I am very sorry.This stand is used in more and more microscope, but all I tried are VGA sensor.the original which uses this stand should be the pen microscope, my pen microscope was told to do 1600*1200 but at very low frame rate, anyway it can do 640*480*30fps well but at this low resolution it's useless for real time smt solderingThe second picture is another new stand just appear in this few month, it's very cheap but should avoid, plastic and loose, it went to my rubbish bin in 1 min, hope the earth can forgive me.Without a good stand, any good microscope is useless.There is more tips to mod the lifecam studio, I will post it more as I have spare time, hope everybody enjoy

author: diyinhk
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 08, 2014, 09:15:00 pm
content: The new eevblog review of cheap usb microscope is great!I am also start with cheap microscope few year ago, their price is attractive to try and play around.Everybody are welcome to compare the cheap usb microscope capture video to the below 1080p lifecam studio mod one,most people should note the great different, without the bad the good cannot be realized.The detail lifecam studio modification video is available in youtube,I strongly suggest diyer mod the lifecam themselves with their lens and stand and it's more fun.Please be care do not purchase the older lifecam cinema model it's 720p only and the internel is different(please refer to the above member old link for detail),the newer lifecam studio 1080p(although it's already released for 2 year but it's still the top) in amazon always has discount over the microsoft suggest retail price,btw, CS mount can also be attached to the lifecam studio with deeply mod, all CS mount lens can be used afterward!http://www.ricoh-mv-security.eu/en/ssd_products_image_processing.phpcapture video from 1080p lifecam studiohttp://www.diyinhk.com/support/cam1080a.mp4The first video demonstrate the motion quality of the microscope, it's capture at the great 15cm working distance and with only four 5mm cree led for lighting. Most usb camera only capable of static quality, when the object is moving, serious motion blur will happen and it is not good for real time smt soldering.http://www.diyinhk.com/support/cam1080b.mp4The second video demonstrate the depth of field of the microscope, the PCB is 45 degree to the table. The XMOS chip is 10x10mm, using triangle formula the DOF is >10mm which is unbeliveable huge for this kind of device

author: Rasz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 10, 2014, 02:59:10 am
content: Quote from: liquibyte on January 06, 2014, 01:58:06 pmnot by him, unless he moved back in time, learned polish, posted on elektroda.pl for 2 years just so he could finally post that linkQuoteHe is a hardware hacker, he posted his project, he even sells dyi lens kits for lifecamhttp://www.diyinhk.com/shop/home/51-lifecam-studio-1080p-microscope-lens-mod-kit.htmlwhat more do you want? get off your high horse. Imo its a good hack, and the price is right if not a steal for the quality you get.

author: quanttrom
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 10, 2014, 05:51:53 pm
content: Quote from: Rasz on January 10, 2014, 02:59:10 amIf what he says is right, It is indeed a great hack !I would like to see a video of someone using it, the working distance, the whole setup. Essentially a review before I go and spend $50 on the lens.

author: markman
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 12, 2014, 12:23:46 am
content: How is this thing focused?

author: diyinhk
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 12, 2014, 03:21:45 am
content: Quote from: markman on January 12, 2014, 12:23:46 amThe edge to edge sharpness tailer made megapixel lens in this thing is designed for real time SMT soldering in high resolution monitor. The magnifying ratio is optimized and fixed to suitable for most popular smd size, object size 31x17mm to monitor 1920*1080 pixel. The working distance is also fixed at the great 15cm, the precision height adjustment in the aluminum stand is used to focus the object.If you have a spare lifecam studio and following the disassemble video in youtube,CS mount can also be attached to the lifecam studio easily with deeper modification, all CS mount lens for industry machine vision can be used afterward! zoom, iris control can also be achievehttp://www.ricoh-mv-security.eu/en/ssd_products_image_processing.phpwelcome to share cs mount lens modification experience!

author: diyinhk
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 20, 2014, 08:50:53 pm
content: Quote from: quanttrom on January 10, 2014, 05:51:53 pmThere is nothing cannot be no rightit's just a replacement of the lens in the microsoft top of line 1080p lifecam studio. The quality is depend on the lens and lifecam. Any lens can be installed on the lifecam, there are even people install the canon EF 24-70mm to a webcam, but it's indeed too big for daily use. Hope eveybody can have fun with it.

author: quanttrom
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 20, 2014, 10:49:51 pm
content: Quote from: diyinhk on January 20, 2014, 08:50:53 pmWould you mind providing a video where you play with the working distance of the camera? Maybe doing some soldering underneath it?

author: seephor
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: January 21, 2014, 08:40:11 pm
content: There's absolutely nothing wrong with putting your time, money and effort into something then trying to sell the idea or product for a profit.Some of you guys make it sound like it's a sin to make a profit off something when everything you purchase produces profit for someone. Only difference here is this is one person vs a multi million dollar company. It's the free market that will determine if the product is worth it or if the price point is off.Looking at the hack, I think it's a good price point for what you get if his claims are true. Keep up the good work diyinhk.

author: diyinhk
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 22, 2014, 03:02:41 am
content: Quote from: seephor on January 21, 2014, 08:40:11 pmThank you for your encourage! I am sorry this device is done two year ago and it's a long delay before it's show up, but it's still the best solution for high quality high resolution real time video(at zero cost if you have a spare lifecam and good lens already on hand)

author: diyinhk
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 22, 2014, 03:03:00 am
content: Quote from: quanttrom on January 20, 2014, 10:49:51 pmA scope is shipped to eevblog, third party review should be more comprehensive

author: Shock
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 22, 2014, 05:40:27 pm
content: What are the specs of the lens/mount you sell? Do you have a datasheet?e.g. back/focal length, aperture, angle of view, distortion

author: diyinhk
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 22, 2014, 10:17:55 pm
content: Quote from: Shock on January 22, 2014, 05:40:27 pmback/focal length, aperture, angle of view is related to the sensor size, sensor light sensitivity, sensor CRA etc.number is only useful when compare between similar things to a reference.angle of view is also useless in this thing,The magnifying ratio is optimized and fixed to suitable for most popular smd size, object size 31x17mm to monitor 1920*1080 pixel. The working distance is also fixed at the great 15cmYou are welcome compare the quality in the capture video sample to distortion from other microscope at similar lighting condition(four 5mm led lighting at 15cm), similar magnifying ratio(31*17mm to 1920*1080pixel) and similar frame rate(30fps)capture video from 1080p lifecam studiohttp://www.diyinhk.com/support/cam1080a.mp4The first video demonstrate the motion quality of the microscope, it's capture at the great 15cm working distance and with only four 5mm cree led for lighting. Most usb camera only capable of static quality, when the object is moving, serious motion blur will happen and it is not good for real time smt soldering.http://www.diyinhk.com/support/cam1080b.mp4The second video demonstrate the depth of field of the microscope, the PCB is 45 degree to the table. The XMOS chip is 10x10mm, using triangle formula the DOF is >10mm which is unbeliveable huge for this kind of device

author: quanttrom
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 22, 2014, 10:22:04 pm
content: Quote from: diyinhk on January 22, 2014, 03:03:00 amThank you! Waiting for an unbiased professional review !

author: Shock
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 22, 2014, 11:50:08 pm
content: Quote from: diyinhk on January 22, 2014, 10:17:55 pmNo thanks, I was just after the specs of the lens, as this is the piece I'm looking at buying. Back/focal length, aperture, angle of view, distortion (of the lens).It mentions you are using a high quality lens, I thought you might have these specs available.

author: electronic_eel
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 23, 2014, 09:04:05 pm
content: Quote from: diyinhk on January 22, 2014, 10:17:55 pmIs the working distance and magnifcation ratio fixed by your lens design or is it possible to modify it by screwing the lens in or out?I'd prefer less magnification and more working distance, e.g. 60mm wide field of view.Can you do that with your lens mod kit or do you need a different lens for that?You wrote about a CS mount which would give more lens options. Do you have a link to a store selling such mount adapters? Or do you sell these yourself? I couldn't find that in your shop.

author: matkar
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 29, 2014, 06:55:24 pm
content: Hi diyinhk!Very nice solution indeed! I watched your videos and I have some questions for you.What is the lag time for this camera. I know it's a camera property but I still can't find any reference. I guess it depends on FPS. Having this info would be nice.How disturbing is lagging when soldering?Or is this camera good for inspection only?Is lens made of glass or plastic?In the beginning of the thread you mention a pretty interesting discount in case of higher number of interested. Can you inform us if this offer still stands and under what conditions? I'd be interested in modification kit if the price was reduced to a certain amount but you have to say what is viable to you.

author: diyinhk
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: February 06, 2014, 05:53:57 am
content: the working distance 15cm and magnifcation ratio 31mm(1920 pixel) x 17mm(1080 pixel) is fixed and optimized for viewing smd size and doing realtime smt soldering. The finished device is sealed with threadlock glue everywhere for maximum stability and it is impossible to disassemble and modification again. If different working distance and magnifcation ratio is needed, deeper modification with the CS lens mounting is the best way to go. Many famous manufacturer also has cs lens line uphttp://www.ricoh.com/fa_security/lens/Quote from: electronic_eel on January 23, 2014, 09:04:05 pm

author: diyinhk
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: February 06, 2014, 06:16:12 am
content: Thank you for your interest!The lag time is the same as microsoft top of line 1080p lifecam studio if the sensor receive the same amount of light,The device is designed for real time smt soldering, the lag time is not noticeable with only the built-in four 5mm led lighting at 15cm working distance. Computer with fast cpu(Quad Core+) and fast display card(Nvidia GTX 590+) is needed and Monitor with 2560*1440+ resolution(Dell U2711) is recommended for watching 1080p video using virtualdub in realtime. The video is 1920*1080 pixel, Windows task bar and the Virtualdub application menu requires additional pixel space to display. A fast harddisk is also needed if capturing at 1080p resolution video is needed. The video will have serious lag if the computer is not fast enough to play 1080p video in real time from the usb 2.0 port. It's like playing Blu-ray Disc in the previous generation computer which do play DVD well.I have also try many cheap usb cam from ebay, low resolution, serious lagging, serious blur in corner, super short 1-3cm working distance, and they are good toy for kids inspection. This device is not designed for the same class.Quote from: matkar on January 29, 2014, 06:55:24 pm

author: mrflibble
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 06, 2014, 06:52:58 am
content: Quote from: diyinhk on January 22, 2014, 10:17:55 pmYou are entirely right of course. Luckily the needed parameters are known since it's based on a known microsoft lifecam. So if you can quote the number then we are fully capable of worrying about the sense versus nonsense of such things. So could you please tell us the back/focal length, aperture, angle of view that is related to the known sensor size, known sensor light sensitivity and known sensor CRA? Thanks.

author: jusanother
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: February 13, 2014, 12:19:16 am
content: After first spotting this product on one of Dave's vids I decided to give it a try. First I lurked on eBay to scoop a LifeCam Studio at the right price and then I intended to retro fit the lens myself.So my LifeCam Studio arrived today and I have to say I am unimpressed with the frame rate and lag. It is running on an Intel 3.3Ghz quad core machine and I will add at no point does it max the CPU out but it will not give me 30fps at 1080p. I can get 20fps max. It will give 30fps @ 720p, however when using Virtualdub you can see the frame rate drop as the amount of movement in the picture increases. Wave your hand and you get 15fps or less, honestly what is the point of a high frame rate if nothing is moving, may as well be a photograph! I really thought the 100 pound Microsoft webcam would be the "solid" part of this product. It could be my machine I guess but it's a fairly clean, up to date, and un-abused install of Win7. Webcam itself has latest firmware.Only point worth mentioning is DIYINHK suggests (on his website) selecting the MJPEG compression in the cameras "Capture Pin" dialog. I have no such option in the dialog.So moving on I wondered if DIYINHK would care to tell me what distance apart the mounting holes on his lens are ?I have the idea to try it on this camera thishttp://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/141100642453datasheet herehttp://www.securitycamera2000.com/download/CMQ2356X_Manual.pdfCam.EDIT. This guyhttp://web.archive.org/web/20121228183133/http://ghonis2.ho8.com/lifecam/lifecam3.htmlmentioned earlier in this thread suggested removing the Microsoft LifeCam software would speed things up. While removing it did enable the MJPEG option it didn't speed things up.Also tried AMCAP instead of VirtualDub, 2fps ish slower if anything.Also noticed that just simply holding (not moving) your hand in front of the camera very badly effects the frame rate. Still unimpressed.

author: sleemanj
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 13, 2014, 12:36:16 am
content: Quote from: jusanother on February 13, 2014, 12:19:16 amI don't know what the specs of the lifecam are, but are you getting enough light on the subject? Try some more lighting on the subject and see if it makes a difference.

author: jusanother
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: February 13, 2014, 01:55:46 am
content: Good thinking, dark image, longer shutter, slower fps. Indeed more light does help but it only serves to limit the reduction in fps due to image darkness. It hasn't elevated my max fps. Worth nothing however that turning "Auto Exposure" off gives an almost steady frame rate and seems to reduce lag (could just be me wrt the lag), but still no 30fps @ 1080p. Certainly getting better however and you may have just saved it from going back on eBay, thanks !Never the less if the OP is reading I would still like to see some mounting dimensions for the lens.Cam.

author: PlainName
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 13, 2014, 02:38:09 am
content: QuoteInteresting, and not what I would have expected. If it is compressed data coming up from the sensor (which I think it has to be to get decent speed out of USB2) then smaller movement would affect things less. Thus waggling the whole camera may show a hefty degradation, but just your soldering iron tip and tweezers moving might be OK.If your static hand is having an effect, then maybe it is causing the picture to change in some way. Perhaps your skin tone is affecting the brightness, or the position is causing the autofocus to wobble and create lots of (very small) image changes.

author: jusanother
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: February 15, 2014, 11:07:57 am
content: Quote from: dunkemhigh on February 13, 2014, 02:38:09 amExactly and that's what confused me, but sleemanj spotted what is happening, the camera is lengthening the shutter period to keep the image bright when you put your dark hand in front of the lens. This then causes the slower frame rate, more motion blur etc. Switch off auto exposure and use plenty of light and the camera is much nicer to use.Cam.

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 15, 2014, 04:40:58 am
content: Just shot my review of this. It worked well.

author: jusanother
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 15, 2014, 12:10:30 pm
content: Just pulled the pin and ordered the lens conversion, looks like I need more light ! Good review.

author: PlainName
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 15, 2014, 12:31:30 pm
content: Quote from: jusanother on March 15, 2014, 12:10:30 pmAllow me to remind you that I have a Lifecam plus conversion for sale:FS (UK) Lifecam HD microscope hack

author: jusanother
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 15, 2014, 12:54:23 pm
content: Bollox too late, I'd would of had that to, but literally just ordered the conversion !

author: jusanother
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: April 10, 2014, 11:25:58 am
content: Here are the dimensions of the lens for others wishing to fit it to a different camera. Apologies for the hand drawn sketchAll dimensions in millimetres.

author: Shock
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 10, 2014, 05:49:10 pm
content: So that looks like a M12x0.5 18mm mount?

author: jlmoon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: April 18, 2014, 05:30:30 pm
content: QuoteHe's a budding-hacking-manufacturing company start up,Maybe he will send out a free sample!

author: jlmoon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: April 18, 2014, 05:34:37 pm
content: Quotetook the idea right out of my head, was wondering what it would be like to mount my Nikon 105 / 2.8 macro lens in front of that life-cam. Interesting concept, might have to have a bigger Bunsen Burner or Titration stand to hold it all..