Re: How to buy a CHEAP microscope -- [once was Re: Bosma / Baytronix question]

Hi,

The OX3 is a neat little item and more sophisticated than the
chemistry set. You don't need the latest or greatest computer for
this project. There is a local computer shop near by that takes trade
ins, I see used computers that can be had for less than $200 dollars
that would work well with the QX3. . In your case the computer is
just as valuable for your project as is the microscope. I would even
start with the computer and leave the microscope for the next phase..

At the dawn of the personal computer age (1983) I purchased an Apple
IIE for my then small sons. This was before commercial software was
so prevalent. I had to learn to get the computers to work. At the
time there was a magazine called "Nibble" that used to publish very
short porgrams in Applesoft BASIC programming language, that could be
typed, saved and run. So I started doing that for my children. There
were games using text characters and puzzles. Even the simplest
computer available today has a BASIC computer language interpreter and
text editors that are way more capable than the ones I had to use
then. There is a great feeling of empowerment that occurs with the
creation and running of these very samll programs.

I did a search on Amazon.com with the phrase
"programming in BASIC games" and found literally a dozen different
books on this subject, all reasonably priced.

Good Luck
Aaron


On Wed, 15 Jun 2005 15:36:28 -0500, Richard Owlett
<rowlett@xxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:

>Aaron wrote:
>
> > Normally you would get my advice about buying a quality scope, but in
> > this case I think the Intel play microscope QX3 that hooks up to a
> > computer via the USB port and takes pictures would do the trick nicely
> > without raiding your pocketbook.. It can be purchased for well under
> > $100 (check eBay) and has a following on the web. There are plans
> > for "do-it-yourself" upgrades and lots of easy projects.. This is a
> > hands on project that would require reading instructions for setup.
> > It is fine for coins stamps money, insects and other such small items.
> > The optics are not great but if the concept gets results you can
> > always opt for a more professional grade of equipment.
> >
> > Aaron
> >
>
>Sounds as though that may be filling the same niche as the microscope I
>go about the same time I got my first Gilbert Chemistry Set in the EARLY
>50's.
>
>I don't know if the boy I'll be tutoring has access to a computer.
>Complicated home life situation.
>
>Having to read something to accomplish something he wants may be a very
>useful key. I'll follow up. Thanks.
>

.

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