Microscope Frame Question - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: luudee
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 03, 2024, 10:15:59 am
content: Hi Guys and Gals !I have a microscope and am generally very happy with it.One thing that annoys me, however, is the height adjustment. The travel of the "Focus Knob" is quite limited (about 6-8cm ?)Attached picture for clarification.I have been searching the net for an assembly that has a larger travel, so I don't have to manually move the entire thing up and down.Two questions please:1. Is there a solution with a larger travel ?2. What is that part of the assembly called (in English) ?Many Thanks !!!Best regards,rudi

author: jfiresto
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 03, 2024, 01:58:21 pm
content: My impression is 6~8cm of rack-and-pinion travel is typical. I measured 7cm of travel for the microscope next to me. I can slide+clamp its head another 17cm, up and down, from one end of the vertical carrier post to the other, before I have to move all the moveable parts – head, post, and the horizontal swing arm – up and down.My father's solution to look at objects of wildly varied sizes was to mount a microscope head on a parallelogram, stand. [I will try to find a picture of one.] It allowed quick but coarse height adjustments. You might have to wait a little for the head to settle, especially at higher magnifications. He had a machinist fashion a carrier post. Perhaps an idea.

author: thm_w
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 03, 2024, 11:10:46 pm
content: Focus rack.You can also mount the microscope to a gas spring monitor arm for easy mobility, but then its going to be a lot less rigid than your boom arm setup.

author: Someone
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 04, 2024, 12:31:53 am
content: Generally the rack/bracket for pedestal post mounting will have a limited stroke range when compared to a stand which relies only on the (integrated) rack.Perhaps describe the problem?Its not uncommon in a production environment to have a solid block for quickly elevating thinner samples rather than constantly adjusting the coarse racking of the microscope.

author: jfiresto
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 04, 2024, 07:41:40 am
content: An advantage of moving the sample up and down is you do not have to change your posture with respect to the eyepieces.A used, surgical (operating) microscope stand would also allow quick and extended repositioning – although some can be a little large:If you look carefully, you can spot the microscope.There are much smaller, mobile versions.

author: luudee
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 04, 2024, 08:12:00 am
content: Thanks for all the replies, Guys !The problem I have is that when I try to look at a PCB I am working on at a 45 degreeangle, to check out a solder joint for example, I have to move the entire assembly onthat little post up and down.Unfortunately, I am also very much space limited and can not (don't want to) changethe arm/frame of the scope.I learned a few new terms, thank you guys, I will continue searching to see if I can finda longer "Focus Rack" for my baby !!!Best Regards,rudi

author: jfiresto
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 04, 2024, 09:32:02 am
content: Inspecting PCBs, you say? What about attaching a PCB holding-frame to the end of an arm likethis one?The gross load could very well fall within its 94–1200g support range. Even a RØDE is inexpensive enough to tempt me to experiment.

author: watchmaker
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: January 04, 2024, 07:49:35 pm
content: The only other store bought option I know is something like the articulating scope mount by Amscope. But it is a wall mount for rigidity.How about a rack and pinion work table??? (shop made). Think drill press or milling table. Just to get your imagination flowing.

author: thm_w
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 04, 2024, 09:45:46 pm
content: Quote from: jfiresto on January 04, 2024, 09:32:02 amSure but that does not really solve any problem as OP is probably moving from the bench to a rotated position then needs to adjust the focus. But yes, those style arms are good for holding a digital microscope camera or similar.

author: jfiresto
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 05, 2024, 09:33:24 am
content: As I do not know what problem(s) the OP might be trying to solve, I would first want to watch him at work before ruling anything out. (My paternal grandfather was an expert in time and motion.)I just wonder if moving the sample to within the focus rack range, rather than extending it, might help.

author: luudee
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 05, 2024, 09:34:42 am
content: I Think I have found what I am looking for !!!https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005006148683170.htmlCheers,rudi

author: jfiresto
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 05, 2024, 12:55:13 pm
content: That looks promising. I will keep my fingers crossed!

author: watchmaker
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: January 05, 2024, 01:15:50 pm
content: You got me thinking. I may order this:https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256805330774436.html?Mount the work holder on it and attach it to the edge of my bench so that I change the work height and not my head height at the scope. Maybe some kind of clamp so I can remove it when not used.Thanks!