Trying to find a cheap microscope clamp arm - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: stevenhoneyman
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: September 12, 2015, 10:53:25 am
content: I have a stereo microscope which I got for a really good price, but came as a 'standalone' unit (with a heavy base with a light in it). I'd like to take the microscope bit and put it on some kind of moveable arm that'll clamp to my desk. It's a standard(?) 14/15mm metal pole that it's on at the moment and will just unscrew and slide off no problem.My issue/question is what's the magic keyword I'm missing to find a suitable arm to hold it? I can get an LCD monitor arm for about £20 (well, I actually have one spare), but as soon as I look for microscope arms the price jumps to the hundreds of £s, despite them being the same thing just with a little hole on the end instead of a VESA plate.

author: zapta
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 12, 2015, 01:45:00 pm
content: Pic or you microscope? Picture or drawing of what you look for?An ebay search for 'microscope base' return many results. Same goes for 'articulating microscope'.Also, if you can find similar monitor arms you can potential modify them to fit.

author: stevenhoneyman
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: September 12, 2015, 02:58:07 pm
content: Sure, here you go. My microscope, what I'm looking for, and the monitor arm I have spare.The microscope (excluding the base) weighs about 1kg or so. Feels too heavy for a cheap camera arm which was another idea.The little 1 LED light I've replaced with a ring light so that's out of the way.I'm in the UK, that seems to make a difference! All I see on ebay UK are microscopes on arms for approx £1000-£1500, or just the arm for approx £400-£500 e.g.http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BRAND-NEW-UNUSED-LEICA-MICROSCOPE-BOOM-SWING-ARM-STAND-/221780343554

author: mij59
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 12, 2015, 03:19:50 pm
content: I used a Ergotron LX for my microscopehttp://www.amazon.co.uk/Ergotron-Desk-Mount-LCD-Arm/dp/B00358RIRC

author: stevenhoneyman
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: September 12, 2015, 03:21:28 pm
content: Quote from: mij59 on September 12, 2015, 03:19:50 pmWhat did you use to adapt/hold the microscope on the end?

author: mij59
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 12, 2015, 03:28:24 pm
content: Quote from: stevenhoneyman on September 12, 2015, 03:21:28 pmI used one bolt to connect the microscope with the monitor plate.

author: stevenhoneyman
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: September 12, 2015, 08:53:39 pm
content: Quote from: mij59 on September 12, 2015, 03:28:24 pmGreat job, thanks for the pic! I'll see if I can find some way to attach mine

author: stevenhoneyman
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: September 16, 2015, 07:11:36 pm
content: I found a cheap (but seems well built) clone of that arm which arrived today. I'm waiting for a 120mm bolt to arrive (tomorrow I hope) and then I can put it all together. I'm using a couple of bits from my spare monitor arm and bolting the vesa plates together.Here's the clone:http://www.allcam.biz/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=1417

author: Neganur
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: September 21, 2015, 03:25:13 pm
content: Good find! I am down that road as well with a Nikon microscope without stand. A proper boom stand almost costs as much as a complete new scope...doh

author: stevenhoneyman
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: September 21, 2015, 04:41:58 pm
content: Crazy isn't it! Still, I'm happy with this solution. It hasn't dropped to pieces yet anyway

author: mij59
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 21, 2015, 04:50:10 pm
content: Quote from: stevenhoneyman on September 21, 2015, 04:41:58 pmNice build, don't worry the bolt won't snap !

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 21, 2015, 05:41:30 pm
content: I have the same challenge. This is a very helpful thread. ThanksFraser

author: Neganur
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 19, 2015, 09:04:26 am
content: Received the arm and had to hack something to mount the scope to the VESA plate but I think the result is good.The only thing I may poke a stick at is that the whole arm shakes a little when my nose hits an eye piece so it's of course not as solid as a real 10 kg stand.The lights are cheap IKEA Jansjö.

author: stevenhoneyman
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 19, 2015, 04:49:05 pm
content: I also started with those same Ikea LED lights, but the shadows and reflections made be buy the ring light (which even though it's just an ebay special was really expensive for what it is)I'd highly recommend one if you're looking to improve lighting.