I used this 50X portable scope/loupe(first pic), and it was too difficult for me.

Posted by hiatt@alaska.net (A) on March 16, 2012 at 01:14:31

In Reply to: Magnification for inspecting cartridge stylus... posted by cids on March 14, 2012 at 14:28:26:

The degree of magnification was too great for my hand shake in the vertical or horizontal plane, and I don't consider my hand to be that shaky at age 66. A lower power loupe would be a lot easier to use.

This 50X scope was also difficult due to its narrow field of view, and the fact that you have to move the scope in the opposite direction of what you see with the other eye on the outside of the scope.

To free up my hands and have more control over the focusing, I use an AO Spencer stereo microscope(second pic), that I found in the thrift store for $12. It has a magnification of at least 80X or greater.

If you just want some close up vision while installing and aligning your cartridge, I find a jeweler's headpiece(third pic) to be very handy. It sure frees up one hand that is needed for other delicate operations, and the one pictured is only 2X. Other higher powered lenses are available for this headpiece.

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Follow Ups Full Thread

Topic - Magnification for inspecting cartridge stylus... - cids 14:28:26 03/14/12 (15)

I used this 50X portable scope/loupe(first pic), and it was too difficult for me. - hiatt@alaska.net 01:14:31 03/16/12 (1)

Correction: The maximum magnification for my stereo microscope is 50X. nt - hiatt@alaska.net 10:56:39 03/16/12 (0)

Electron microscope. /nt - Biff 13:04:12 03/15/12 (5)

Here ya go. Cheaper than a lot of new turntables. nt - hiatt@alaska.net 14:01:24 03/15/12 (4)

RE: Here ya go. Cheaper than a lot of new turntables. nt - cids 15:53:20 03/15/12 (0)

That seems like a decent buy, really. /nt - Biff 14:24:36 03/15/12 (2)

Agree, but seeing record grooves with electronmicroscopy is like seeing nose hair on your favorite actress - hiatt@alaska.net 16:10:02 03/15/12 (1)

Cool photo. /nt - Biff 16:53:37 03/15/12 (0)

RE: Magnification for inspecting cartridge stylus... - gkargreen 08:12:16 03/15/12 (0)

I use a 30X loop~nT - Cleantimestream 20:23:16 03/14/12 (0)

Please search the archives for extensive information about this(see link).. - hiatt@alaska.net 15:07:37 03/14/12 (4)

Here is a more recent post on this subject by Fred J. - hiatt@alaska.net 15:40:42 03/14/12 (3)

very doubtful Fred's idea is viable - gkargreen 19:35:16 03/14/12 (2)

RE: very doubtful Fred's idea is viable - Cleantimestream 20:26:18 03/14/12 (1)

Please re-read Fred's post. He was criticizing the jeweler's loupe - hiatt@alaska.net 03:05:47 03/15/12 (0)

Follow Ups

I used this 50X portable scope/loupe(first pic), and it was too difficult for me. - hiatt@alaska.net 01:14:31 03/16/12 (1)

Correction: The maximum magnification for my stereo microscope is 50X. nt - hiatt@alaska.net 10:56:39 03/16/12 (0)

I used this 50X portable scope/loupe(first pic), and it was too difficult for me.

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