These guys have great prices http://www.brent-krueger.com/magnifiers.html But when I called to order one the guy mentioned the phone fee which I eventually found in their ordering info fine print. I order stuff off the web every week but am a little peeved that when I want to place an order over the phone I get dinged for it. Moral dilemma now about where to order one. %-) http://www.brent-krueger.com/payment.html "Because were are primarily a warehouse operation, our wide selection and low prices are a reflection of the automation offered by our secure internet website. All telephone orders will be assessed a $2.50 handling fee in addition to the shipping cost, which is based on weight and destination." -----Original Message----- From: Lee Jones Sent: Oct 17, 2004 7:49 AM To: madscientist.at.large@earthlink.net Cc: piclist@mit.edu Subject: Re: [EE]TSSOP for diy'er? > has any one tried those stereo magnifiers that you wear on your head? I have and use the OptiVISOR from Donegan Optical Company, Lenexa KS 66219 USA. I have 3 powers -- DA-2, DA-3, & DA-5 -- all with optical glass binocular lenses. Obviously the different models trade magnification for working distance. I've very happy with the optical quality. Better image than reading glasses. But the reading glasses have a much wider field of view. Used to be, I never needed either one for very close up work -- now I use them more frequently. I have never used ones with plastic lenses. > i think i've seen them available up to 6x power which would be > pretty good (though the higher magnification sets have lower > depth of field, so maybe 2.5X would be enough to help?). I use the #5 lens plate for fine pitch IC work. Donegan makes 6 interchangable lens plates as follows: plate magnifies working distance 2 1-1/2 X 20 inches 3 1-3/4 X 14 inches 4 2 X 10 inches 5 2-1/2 X 8 inches 7 2-3/4 X 6 inches 10 3-1/2 X 4 inches The lens plates are almost as expensive as a whole unit. To me, it's worth the couple bucks for the convenience of having multiple whole units (rather than trying to swap the plates). If you're looking to buy, check with hobby dealers. Two that I have used are (and they have nice miniature tools too): Squadron/Signal, Carrollton TX USA, http://www.squadron.com and Micro-Mark, Berkeley Heights NJ USA, http://www.micromark.com > pretty useful if the depth of field and magnification are > both in a useful range. I think the OptiVISOR satisfies both requirements. Much better image and better depth of field than a jeweler's loupe too. > definitely a lot cheaper than a stereo microscope though > less magnification (but better depth of field i suspect). The stereo microscope fits in a different, higher power niche. Certainly less freedom of movement and restricted working stage. Lee Jones _______________________________________________ http://www.piclist.com View/change your membership options at http://mailman.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/piclist _______________________________________________ http://www.piclist.com PIC/SX FAQ & list archive View/change your membership options at http://mailman.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/piclist