[time-nuts] OT, looking for a good science forum

[lists at lazygranch.com]

Eh, I'd spend the extra $200 and get a B&L unless you don't expect to use it much. At around $300, you would get a Stereozoom 3, heavy table and long arm. The Stereozoom dates back to the days they built magnetic RAM. It is designed for all day use. The working distance is kind of important if you expect to work on a PCB, since they are 3D. 

But maybe the Chinese stuff would work for occasional use. However, the B&L can go in your will!


------Original Message------
From: Chris Albertson
To: lists at lazygranch.com
To: Discussion of precise time and frequency measurement
Subject: Re: [time-nuts] OT, looking for a good science forum
Sent: Jan 26, 2013 1:36 PM

On Sat, Jan 26, 2013 at 10:00 AM,  <lists at lazygranch.com> wrote:
> If the intent is surface mount work, get an old B&L Stereozoom 3. I'd suggest getting one with any attached illuminator, even a broken one, since the fitting to hold the illuminator is about $30. Later model stereozooms had plastic parts in the focus mechanism.  If you need more magnification, you can always get "stronger"

This is really OT for the TN list.  But no.  I'm looking to equip a
biology lab.  Need a compound microscope that has on the high side a
1000x magnification.  Pretty much your "Standard" university lab
microscope that all freshmen bio students would use.  These are a
little hard to know what's best to get

But I think in addition I want a stereo microscope too.   There are
decent new ones from China for under $100 and older ones like you
mentioned for about the same price.   New ones are attractive because
of advances like battery powered LED illumination.  This kind of
microscope is pretty easy to find compared to the other.
-- 

Chris Albertson
Redondo Beach, California