Anyone use the Intel Microscope

dlimb2 · December 23, 2003 1:07AM

If you do, do you know where one can be purchased other than Ebay? Thank You.

MadMarty · December 23, 2003 1:10AM

I use one for RPMs and such. I bought mine on E-bay!

dlimb2 · December 23, 2003 1:12AM

Hi MadMarty, does it work good...do you have a picture you took with it.

seanq · December 23, 2003 1:27AM

I loooooooooove my Intel 'scope. They may still be available from various online toy retailers as well, I would suggest checking after Christmas for a bargain.

Here are a few pics I've taken recently with it, of a 1936 Lincoln Cent Doubled Die Obverse #1-O-IV, FS-014, in VF30 or so. These are all taken at 60x:

Sean Reynolds

MadMarty · December 23, 2003 1:38AM

Here is one of mine

stujoe · December 23, 2003 1:40AM

<< <i>If you do, do you know where one can be purchased other than Ebay? Thank You. >>

Here is one place but I can't vouche for them.

http://www.compuvisor.com/digbluqx3usb.html

Mine was a gift and I think it was bought from them but I am not positive.

Here are some pics from mine:

http://www.coinpeople.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=1143

Edited to fix links, as usual.

XpipedreamR · December 23, 2003 1:43AM

That microscope you linked to actually took those photos? That's really amazing for the price. I might have to check it out.

stujoe · December 23, 2003 1:49AM

Yep. It is pretty cool for the price.

You can also remove the microscope from the mounting assembly (it is made to slip out) and I can get some really good pictures freehand.

LALASD4 · December 23, 2003 1:52AM

I got one that I had never use, I only opened it to load the software on my computer. I got it when I was interested RPM's but than my collecting interest changed. $55.00 shipped if anyone is interested.

sinin1 · December 23, 2003 2:00AM

I use one -

the hardest part is getting lighting good

and occassionally the USB port does not connect very well

I got mine from eBay - new in box

dlimb2 · December 23, 2003 2:04AM

Sean, very nice...sure seems a lot easier than trying to zoom in with a camera....wow thats a job.

dlimb2 · December 23, 2003 2:07AM

MadMarty, very nice...I have to get one...I am going blind trying to use a camera and a magnafying glass.

dlimb2 · December 23, 2003 2:09AM

stujoe, now that is really getting down and dirty with those closeups...nice man.

jeffnpcb · December 23, 2003 2:10AM

Is that the QX-3 model or a different one? I was hoping to find one with more variable focus and magnification capabilities that wouldn't cost an arm and a leg!

Compa · December 23, 2003 4:42AM

Neat scope! ... but from the Intel website:

"All Intel Play Toys were discontinued in March 2002. No further development or updates will be made for these products."

But it is still available from some retailers including a few online sites.

anablep · December 23, 2003 4:58AM

I used to see them in Toys R Us...

ksteelheader · December 23, 2003 5:27AM

I have mine sitting here beside my computer. Works great...Ken

dlimb2 · December 23, 2003 6:19AM

Ok, I just bought one off of ebay...I could not wait...if they are no longer making them then there may not be to many left to get...so I bit the bullet....Just hope it works when I get it.

Trooper · December 23, 2003 6:23AM

Ok
You all convinced me. What's the keyword search on Ebay for these things.
Thanks
Tom

dlimb2 · December 23, 2003 6:24AM

Intel microscope

Trooper · December 23, 2003 6:38AM

dlimb2
Thanks for the info. i just did a purchase. If any one else is looking out there you might want to read some of the requirements. Some auctions mention windows 98 only while other mention XP. The sadly computer expert I am doesn't know if a 98 type(software) will work on the XP.Thanks again
Tom J.

dbldie55 · December 23, 2003 6:42AM

These are still being made and sold by another company. There were ads in Coin World a while ago for these. As far as XP, I just open up photoshop, and select the microscope as my input device and things work fine. I did download the software for it too, but never use their software.

seanq · December 23, 2003 7:06AM

IIRC, the older version for Win98 is the QX3, and a later version compatible with newer versions of Windows was the QX3+. You could download the drivers for Win2k and XP from the Intel site, I don't know if you still can.

As someone else suggested, the device is TWAIN compatible, so you can choose it as an input source from any decent photo manipulating software (I've used it with Photoshop LE, Photoshop 6.0 and Photodeluxe, all without problems). The Intel software doesn't give you nearly the same degree fo control, and the sound FX old very quickly.

Sean Reynolds

WACoinGuy · December 23, 2003 7:48AM

I bought mine on Amazon back in May, though it's now showing as discontinued. That was under the Digital Blue name (QX3). It works fine with my Windows XP machine. It is a great microscope for the price. If you're into being able to get pictures at 60x magnification, I'd highly recommend it. Probably not great for serious die researching, but for my needs it's perfect. Check out this picture of the reverse of my 1911-D $2 1/2, showing a characteristic die mark at the tip of the arrowhead:

stujoe · December 23, 2003 9:51AM

<< <i>These are still being made and sold by another company. >>

http://playdigitalblue.com/products/qx3/main

is the company, if I am not mistaken.

Mine is one of the newer (post-Intel) ones and is supposed to work with Windows XP, 2000, 98, 98 SE, ME. I use 2000 and it works fine.

LucyBop · December 23, 2003 10:16AM

when I was a employee, I was able to get em dirt cheap.....

I never did get one.....

Rats!

LanLord · December 23, 2003 10:27AM

They are extremely cool, but the plastic flange gets in the way for 10X work, a dremmel tool will take care of the little problem.

dlimb2 · December 26, 2003 6:18AM

Trooper, your Q-3 microscope will work just fine with windows 98...I just went back to the site where I bought mine and it says it will work fine with windows 98...now with the other operating systems you have to download the new files for them...but you will be just fine...we should get ours about the same time...I can not wait.

JoesMaName · December 26, 2003 7:37AM

I don't think they are all created equal. I bought one two or three years ago and used it for about a day. I couldn't get it to produce a clean picture, too grainy and blury. I was very disapointed. Your pictures look nice though....

Dahlonega · December 26, 2003 8:51AM

Anyone know if it works with Macintosh?

dlimb2 · December 26, 2003 10:22AM

Yes it does but you have to download the software for it...

Dahlonega · December 26, 2003 10:29AM

Thanks since I got a new I book G4 for Christmas [unsolicited] I have a window of opportunity to request accessories...

Anyone use the Intel Microscope

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