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this video shows a neat way to see extreme detail on coins and take pictures. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KpMTkr_aiYU

Neat!

I have to build one of those. Thanks for posting

That is awesome, great video.

great idea

Neet... someone on RC needs to make some and sell them here for those of us who cant build one!!!

Numis Pam wrote:Neet... someone on RC needs to make some and sell them here for those of us who cant build one!!!

+1

Excellent video with instruction. Not sure the total cost is really under $10 including the flashlight. I did see a similar video that used the lens from a CD or DVD player.

Tourney64 wrote:Excellent video with instruction. Not sure the total cost is really under $10 including the flashlight. I did see a similar video that used the lens from a CD or DVD player.

I'm not sure how you would ever get the cost below $10 if you need to buy a flash light and a laser pointer. Maybe they are cheaper than I think.

It's certainly a neat idea and I intend to make one.

messymessy wrote:
I'm not sure how you would ever get the cost below $10 if you need to buy a flash light and a laser pointer. Maybe they are cheaper than I think.

It's certainly a neat idea and I intend to make one.

Since all you need is the lens from the laser pointer, you might be able to get one at the dollar store (99c only/dollar tree/deals). The money in those things is in the small button batteries, so sometimes I have seen them for sale without batteries, just the lens and the shell. I'll have to check next time I go.

For the light, I would just use any old flashlight instead of that fancy brookstone one in the video. I like the ones you get for free from Harbor Freight....they are cheaply made, but not bad for free. They put out coupons all the time for them in the paper, mail, or in the ads within the store.

...For me, the price breaker would be the phone. I'm surprised it didn't say "iPhone not included".

Tourney64 wrote:I did see a similar video that used the lens from a CD or DVD player.

I bet I've got an old useless computer CD rom drive in the garage. If so I'll be breaking out the Phillips screwdriver tonite....

I'll have to try the CD lens....

Here's the link with the list of supplies if anyone's like me and too lazy to either write them down or be creative and simply do it your own way.

http://www.instructables.com/id/10-Smartphone-to-digital-microscope-conversion/

Yep, the old disc drives use the same lens. Saw it on another video.

The guy just uses scotch tape to secure it to his i-phone.

Laser pointer $3 at Dollar General. Oddly enough, it's a cat toy, but it looks exactly like the one used in the video.

There were cheap LED flashlights there also, but they were all too tall.

Numis Pam wrote:Neet... someone on RC needs to make some and sell them here for those of us who cant build one!!!

+$75 (what I would easily pay)

barrytrot wrote:

Numis Pam wrote:Neet... someone on RC needs to make some and sell them here for those of us who cant build one!!!

+$75 (what I would easily pay)

Things are a little too busy right now, but I could take it on as a winter project.

Let me know if you make one, I'll definitely take it.

Wow awesome link!!!

I will definitely consider making this. Although it will require me to upgrade from my current cell phone circa 2005. Yup I'm still using a flip phone.

The other options at my disposal are a digital camera with macro lens and a digital microscope w/computer video link...

Still I like this a lot as well. The big issue with using any of these devices is allowing enough light to hit the coin. Depending on the magnification and the device. I've found that as you increase magnification it can become increasingly difficult to provide enough lighting.

This set-up at least appears to get around that problem completely.

~JobIII

My daughter and I started making these smartphone digital microscope stands. We are selling them as a kit for $35, plus shipping. Everything is cut and drilled, all you would have to do is follow our printed intructions to assemble the pieces. It's as easy as putting nuts and bolts together, no tools required.

We are selling them as a kit because we are worried that they may not ship well assembled. If anyone wants one assembled, I'd be willing to give it a try. I imagine shipping will be slightly higher.

Send me a PM if you want one.

messymessy wrote:My daughter and I started making these smartphone digital microscope stands. We are selling them as a kit for $35, plus shipping. Everything is cut and drilled, all you would have to do is follow our printed intructions to assemble the pieces. It's as easy as putting nuts and bolts together, no tools required.

We are selling them as a kit because we are worried that they may not ship well assembled. If anyone wants one assembled, I'd be willing to give it a try. I imagine shipping will be slightly higher.

Send me a PM if you want one.

Post some pics and videos and start selling! Whats it called

I bought all the parts today for under $20. Will post details of parts and pictures.

Looks like this could be really cool!

I bought 2 pieces of plexiglass for the project. I cut the glass with a utility knife and thought I had it cut enough to snap it apart, but didn't and put a big crack right thru the middle of it. One piece gone, I took the 2nd piece and carefully cut it and was drilling the holes and the corned broke off right around the drilled hole.
4 lessons learned -
1. Buy a thicker piece of plexiglass as the one I bought was 1/8th inch thick.
2. When the worker at the hardware store asks if you want the plexiglass cut, say yes.
3. Even though the instructions say drill the holes 3/4 inch from the edge, make it 1 inch.
4. Buy thinner bolts next time, so the holes you drill are smaller and less likely to break the plexiglass. I bought 3/8 bolts that are 6 1/2 inches long.

Will return to the hardware store tomorrow for more plexiglass. Amazing how I can turn this simple project into a hard project.

Plexiglass is a lousy material for this project...but it's available everywhere.

Look through your local yellow pages to find a plastic supply house, and ask them for some eighth to quarter inch PETG. You can cut it on a table saw, band saw, with a hack saw, etc...and you'll be able to drill holes close to the edge without cracks forming. It's tough stuff, and just as clear as plexiglass.

Tourney64 wrote: One piece gone, I took the 2nd piece and carefully cut it and was drilling the holes and the corned broke off right around the drilled hole.

Try drilling slower or perhaps using a dull drill bit. I "sandwich" the plexiglass between two pieces of wood clamped together.