Leuchtturm 2 MP USB Microscope by Lighthouse Problems

Dupreman · September 22, 2015 5:05AM

I purchased a Leuchtturm USB 2.0 MP Microscope from Lighthouse at a coin show a couple of years ago. HUGE mistake!

It worked fine at first, though I frequently had problems with my computer (Windows 7) detecting the microscope, requiring me to unplug it and move it around my USB ports. Not exactly plug-and-play. Finally about a year ago, it stopped detecting the microscope completely.

I contacted Lighthouse, and they sent me a link to their page with updated drivers. I deleted and reloaded the driver and it worked fine. For one day. The next day, once again, the microscope was not being detected. The light on the USB Microscope would light up and the dimmer function worked, so I knew that while undetected by the software, it was electronically connected to the usb providing juice to the lights. I deleted and reloaded the software again, but it would not recognize the usb microscope. (FYI the instructions tell you to install the software with the microscope connected, and to try different USB ports, all of which I did.)

And then - after I reloaded the microscope drivers for the umpteenth time - and finally it actually detected the microscope - as soon as I opened up the Microcapture software - BLUE SCREEN OF DEATH!!!

I am skilled at using a computer so was able to recover from the blue screen, but it took some effort and time. I contacted Lighthouse again to tell them about the serious issues, and received a seemingly concerned e-mail saying they would inform their software people, and they would get back to me. And then I never heard from them again!

I need a USB microscope to do my research. I looked through the offerings at Amazon, and it is clear that by and large these are being made in China, and then rebranded for whatever manufacturer sells them. In looking through the reviews for the various brands of 2.0 MP USB microscopes of clearly identical design and manufacture with this one, I saw negative reviews complaining that the microscopes are not compatible with Windows 7, and that the microscope was commonly not detected. They clearly know this is a common problem since they do mention the problem on their driver page "When receiving error message "No device detected" try different USB port on your computer or install USB Microscope Driver provided above and on the CD ROM included with the item":

Lighthouse/Leuchtturm software update page

First of all - be warned before purchasing one of Lighthouse's USB microscopes that are sold at most coin shows. (I personally boycott all of their products out of principle!)

Second, does anyone recommend a USB microscope that works problem-free with Windows 7? I want at least a 5.0 MP CMOS now so I can get high-def resolution vs. just 640 x 480 resolution. The greater the depth of field the better, since I collect historical medals which often have high relief. I really don't want anything that comes with Microcapture software which in my opinion is complete garbage.

This is a pic of the 2.0 MP USB Microscope that caused all of this grief. Beware of it or any clones of other brands that look like it:

howards · September 22, 2015 8:02AM

There are a number of USB devices that for some reason do not work well unless they are connected to a USB port directly on the computer (in other words, not through an external hub).

Have you tried that?

You also might try using Control Panel/Device Manager to look at the USB hub (could be internal) to which your scope is attached, and under Power Management in the properties panel disable the ability to allow the computer to turn off the device to save power.

CoinZip · September 22, 2015 8:58AM

I've been using the same Dino-Lite USB for about 7 years.... I've gone through several computers, it worked on Win XP and every operating system up to Win 10....

MICHAELDIXON · September 22, 2015 12:19PM

I have a Dino-Lite and it works well on my laptop and desktop. It takes great pictures also and I have had no problems with it. Prior to purchasing the Dino-Lite, I ordered one off Amazon (cannot remember the brand) and had too many problems with it. Needless to say, I sent it back. I wish I would have purchased the Dino-Lite to begin with. And...if you have any problems tech support is only a phone call away!

Twobitcollector · September 22, 2015 6:24PM

I purchase a Dino-Light AM311s about 2009 still works great and on several computers. This was taken yesterday

Dupreman · September 23, 2015 7:11AM

<< <i>I purchase a Dino-Light AM311s about 2009 still works great and on several computers. This was taken yesterday

>>

Twobit thanks for the image. I need more depth of field than that because of the high relief on medals. Does anyone have a 5MP cmos? Does it make any difference in quality other than resolution?

Meltdown · September 23, 2015 8:01AM

I've had the same issues with the Lighthouse microscope. It's a piece of elmo.

Leuchtturm 2 MP USB Microscope by Lighthouse Problems

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