[SOLD] (UK) Lifecam HD microscope hack

[PlainName]

Yes, this is the same one that DIYINHK is selling:

1080P USB microscope

Indeed, I purchased his lens and modified a brand new Lifecam Studio HD using his instructional video. After verifying that it does indeed do the job, I've decided to take a different approach so this is now for sale.

Included in the sale are the parts removed from the original webcam, plus the tools that came with the lens. It would be entirely feasible to put it back to being a common or garden Lifecam; indeed, I am happy to do this before shipping if that's what you want. Note that the stand that DIYINHK sells is not included - only what you see in the photo will be shipped.

I am not after making a profit on this so will charge only what less than it's cost me: £62 to include shipping in the UK. If you want this shipped to foreign parts I'll give you a quote for the additional costs.

The screenshot is of this webcam using the Microsoft Lifecam software (which you would need to download). However, with Windows 7 you can plug it in with no software or drivers and it will Just Work as a capture device for your preferred display app. Note that the dust in this photo is on the PCB and not the lens!

[logictom]

£40 shipped?

[PlainName]

I would be making enough of a loss that it wouldn't be worth it, sorry. Blimey, that wouldn't even get you the webcam never mind ship a lens from wherever it comes from.

[Shock]

In case you weren't aware the screenshot is quite grainy. 
What different approach are you going to take?

[PlainName]

The graininess is probably due to lack of light.  A quick measurement indicates about 100lux, which is only barely enough to read by.

I am thinking of trying a video camera again - I did try this some years ago but the result wasn't impressive due to the equipment used at that time. The resolution will be worse than the Lifecam, though, so it's mostly a box ticking thing and I am not expecting much.

Normally I use either a Luxo magnifier or stereo microscope. The main problem with the microscrope that I am looking to resolve is spatial awareness: the iron tip is never where one thinks it is as it's brought into play, and inadvertent burns to things other than the part being soldered can occur until it comes into view (if, indeed, it ever does!). Perhaps with a screen it would be possible to see both the magnified view and where things are that aren't in the viewing field.

I had initially thought to keep the Lifecam, but once my missus discovered I'd got one she wanted to see when I'm up to when she's down with her folks...

[diyinhk]

The graininess is probably due to lack of light.  A quick measurement indicates about 100lux, which is only barely enough to read by.

I am thinking of trying a video camera again - I did try this some years ago but the result wasn't impressive due to the equipment used at that time. The resolution will be worse than the Lifecam, though, so it's mostly a box ticking thing and I am not expecting much.

Normally I use either a Luxo magnifier or stereo microscope. The main problem with the microscrope that I am looking to resolve is spatial awareness: the iron tip is never where one thinks it is as it's brought into play, and inadvertent burns to things other than the part being soldered can occur until it comes into view (if, indeed, it ever does!). Perhaps with a screen it would be possible to see both the magnified view and where things are that aren't in the viewing field.

I had initially thought to keep the Lifecam, but once my missus discovered I'd got one she wanted to see when I'm up to when she's down with her folks...

Yes! If the light is not enough, the image is graininess and the video will also have serious motion blur. It's the same as taking video with a mobile phone or digital camera
Anyway, the lifecam has the best low light response in it's class, only four 5mm led at 15cm distance can produce a great image as in the sample video.
http://www.diyinhk.com/support/cam1080a.mp4

The video will also have lag if the computer is not fast enough to play 1080p video in real time from the usb 2.0 port.
It's like playing Blu-ray Disc in the previous generation computer which do play DVD well.
Computer with fast cpu and fast vga card is needed and Monitor with 2560*1440 resolution is recommended for watching 1080p video using virtualdub in realtime. A fast harddisk is also needed if capture at 1080p resolution video is needed.

[PlainName]

Cut my own throat and dropped the price 

[KD0CAC John]

Old post date , but was at the top of the postings in for sale ?
Is it still available ?
Ship to US
I will PM also
Thanks John

[PlainName]

Still available, will ship to the US, and replied to the PM. Phew 

[BravoV]

Dave's effect is working here. 

[PlainName]

There's a surprise 

I would've shipped him mine to check over and boost my chances, but then I wouldn't have one to sell...

[free_electron]

Cut my own throat and dropped the price 

like CMOT Dibbler ?

[PlainName]

My pies have real meat in them, so probably not.

[Po6ept]

Cut my own throat and dropped the price 

like CMOT Dibbler ?

I love this forum.

[Iwanushka]

Hi!

is it still available?

[PlainName]

Yes, still available

[PlainName]

This is no longer available