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OT - Magnifier lamp

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Jim Wiley-2

OT - Magnifier lamp

I would like to get the opinion of Elecraft list members, particularly
builders of kit versions of the K1, K2, and K3, concerning magnifier
lamps. These are commonly known as "Luxo lamps", although that is only
the best known brand. In other words, what are you using, how does it
work for you, and what don't you like, if anything,

Things to consider:

Best magnification factor. The most common are 1.75X (3 diopter) and
2.25X (5 diopter).

Size and shape of magnifying lens: How big, and is round or rectangular
shape factor best

Focal range: how far from work is optimum, and what are close and far
limits

Eyestrain: distortion, clarity of lens, adequacy of illumination

Illumination: L:ED vs. fluorescent lamps - which is better / brighter.
For fluorescent or CFL lamps, how long to reach max output

Positioning: Best arm length, does the unit "stay where it's put?"

Mounting: Clamp mount, robustness of mount. Can the unit be removed
from the base / desk clamp, etc.

Ease of working under the lamp/ magnifier: Does the unit get in the
way of soldering, etc.

Problems observed: What could be done better

Special note: In the interest of limiting OT traffic on this list,
please reply direct if there are more than perhaps 6 or 8 posts to the
list. I know Wayne and Eric will appreciate it.

Thank you.

- Jim, KL7CC
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John Ragle

Re: OT - Magnifier lamp

Jim...(and list)...

Save your money!

I have a Luxo lamp mounted on a tensor arm and with a 6" dia circline
fluorescent bulb. This particular one has the power supply in the base.
It was made in USA. Two (very negative) comments:

1. The power supply is extremely noisy (RF noise). I had expected that
the fluorescent fixture would be noisy, but this lamp is a real
noise-pig EVEN WHEN THE LAMP IS OFF. I cannot have it plugged in when I
am operating, as it saturates my receiver with RF noise.

2. The magnifier was almost useless for circuit board work. This is
because the "edge effects" are quite large, in the sense that the
in-focus image is only a tiny part of the whole aperture, and there is
no binocular effect.

For circuit board work I much prefer a headband-mounted binocular
magnifier. With this setup one has a sense of depth which is itself
useful when working with small through-hole parts (or SM components,
which are not contained in the kits you mention). The particular one I
use came from Radio Shack at least 40 years ago. The magnifier folds up
out of the way, and the construction is very light-weight.

John Ragle -- W1ZI

=====

On 7/19/2011 9:27 AM, Jim Wiley wrote:

> I would like to get the opinion of Elecraft list members, particularly
> builders of kit versions of the K1, K2, and K3, concerning magnifier
> lamps. These are commonly known as "Luxo lamps", although that is only
> the best known brand. In other words, what are you using, how does it
> work for you, and what don't you like, if anything,
>
>
> Things to consider:
>
>
> Best magnification factor. The most common are 1.75X (3 diopter) and
> 2.25X (5 diopter).
>
>
> Size and shape of magnifying lens: How big, and is round or rectangular
> shape factor best
>
>
> Focal range: how far from work is optimum, and what are close and far
> limits
>
>
> Eyestrain: distortion, clarity of lens, adequacy of illumination
>
>
> Illumination: L:ED vs. fluorescent lamps - which is better / brighter.
> For fluorescent or CFL lamps, how long to reach max output
>
>
> Positioning: Best arm length, does the unit "stay where it's put?"
>
>
> Mounting: Clamp mount, robustness of mount. Can the unit be removed
> from the base / desk clamp, etc.
>
>
> Ease of working under the lamp/ magnifier: Does the unit get in the
> way of soldering, etc.
>
>
> Problems observed: What could be done better
>
>
> Special note: In the interest of limiting OT traffic on this list,
> please reply direct if there are more than perhaps 6 or 8 posts to the
> list. I know Wayne and Eric will appreciate it.
>
>
> Thank you.
>
>
> - Jim, KL7CC
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:[hidden email]
>
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
>
>
>

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Matt Zilmer

Re: OT - Magnifier lamp

In reply to this post by Jim Wiley-2

Best I've found is Daylight. See
http://us.daylightcompany.com/product/ultra-slim-magnifying-lamp-xr/
for an example. I have this one (multiple, actually - workshop and
shack, both). This is primarily a crafter's lamp, intended for floor,
table (clamp or base) mounting. I even built a wall mount for my XYL,
which she can move to two different positions. This keeps her table
clear. I use the table clamp for mounting.

Working closely or backed off is fairly easy.

Your questions:

Magnification: I'm using 2.25x, but you can change lenses on this
model. I think they have 1.75x and 3.0x in addition to the "stock"
lens.

Lens: Round, diameter is 6-3/4", which is huge.

Focal range: between 9 and 18 inches for 2.25x. Less mag puts this
further out.

Eyestrain: Zero. I can work over this mag lamp for hours. The
'daylight' feature helps this a lot (color temp of the lamp bulb).

Illumination: Flourescent, 28W, pure white light.

Positioning: The dual arm is easily movable, but the dual clamps at
the lamp end need to be loosened for large adjustments.

Mounts: Multiple types. I use the table clamp mount for workbench
and the shack desk. Table and floor bases are also available, as well
as floor extensions to bring the mount base up to table / workbench
height.

Ease of working: I've had no issues (see eyestrain).

Problems: The dual clamp is very hard to tighten at first, but loosens
up over time.

Overall: I recommended Daylight for our engineering lab at Magellan
and we have seven or eight of them now. They beat the old mag lamps
hollow.

73,
matt W6NIA

On Tue, 19 Jul 2011 05:27:36 -0800, you wrote:

>
>I would like to get the opinion of Elecraft list members, particularly
>builders of kit versions of the K1, K2, and K3, concerning magnifier
>lamps. These are commonly known as "Luxo lamps", although that is only
>the best known brand. In other words, what are you using, how does it
>work for you, and what don't you like, if anything,
>
>
>Things to consider:
>
>
>Best magnification factor. The most common are 1.75X (3 diopter) and
>2.25X (5 diopter).
>
>
>Size and shape of magnifying lens: How big, and is round or rectangular
>shape factor best
>
>
>Focal range: how far from work is optimum, and what are close and far
>limits
>
>
>Eyestrain: distortion, clarity of lens, adequacy of illumination
>
>
>Illumination: L:ED vs. fluorescent lamps - which is better / brighter.
>For fluorescent or CFL lamps, how long to reach max output
>
>
>Positioning: Best arm length, does the unit "stay where it's put?"
>
>
>Mounting: Clamp mount, robustness of mount. Can the unit be removed
>from the base / desk clamp, etc.
>
>
>Ease of working under the lamp/ magnifier: Does the unit get in the
>way of soldering, etc.
>
>
>Problems observed: What could be done better
>
>
>Special note: In the interest of limiting OT traffic on this list,
>please reply direct if there are more than perhaps 6 or 8 posts to the
>list. I know Wayne and Eric will appreciate it.
>
>
>Thank you.
>
>
>- Jim, KL7CC
>______________________________________________________________
>Elecraft mailing list
>Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
>Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
>Post: mailto:[hidden email]
>
>This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
>Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

Grant Youngman

Re: OT - Magnifier lamp

In reply to this post by Jim Wiley-2

While a good bright light (however that is come by) is important, I don't find the magnifiers on these swing arm lamps terribly useful for fine work. The problem is that viewing angle can be critical and putting the glass in the sweet spot is fidgety.

A head worn magnifier is far better in my opinion. I use a product with the brand name "Head Loupe" which has several interchangeable lenses with varying degrees of magnification. Wouldn't be without it.

Grant/NQ5T

Sent from my iPhone

On Jul 19, 2011, at 8:27 AM, Jim Wiley <[hidden email]> wrote:

>
> I would like to get the opinion of Elecraft list members, particularly
> builders of kit versions of the K1, K2, and K3, concerning magnifier
> lamps. These are commonly known as "Luxo lamps",
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daleputnam

Re: OT - Magnifier lamp

Much of my building time, I also listen to the bands, and because I do, I want to have a desk light, mag light, or most anything else that is on... to be useful but not noisy.One of the swing arm lights had a florescent lamp.. and created so much rf noise that I couldn't hear.... the answer? easy.... replace the lamp with LEDs... works wonderful.Clean bright light, diffused and quiet too. Now.. the style of mag glass... I prefer a square mag ... why? because the boards are seldom round. and the portion of the board I want to see... is not a spot... but a larger area.Often I work the entire side of an ATS board at one time.. and I really don't like to adjust the mag in the middle of the board... square is better. Moving me around a little is better than moving the mag around at all. But square is rare. I really don't like the "we'll fake you into thinking it is square by putting round inside square" ones either. Swing arm lamps are very touchy... the better ones move at the
hint of a finger... stay put when left untouched and never move on their own. Those that do all that... are also very expensive. So.. we do with what we have... and adjust when needed. I even use a 30x loupe, hand held, borrowed from my darkroom, but I don't build with it.. only inspect. Have a great day,

--... ...--
Dale - WC7S in Wy

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Wayne Conrad

Re: OT - Magnifier lamp

In reply to this post by Jim Wiley-2

I'm with those who prefer head-mounted magnification. I built my K2
while wearing an Optivisor:

http://www.doneganoptical.com/optivisor.php

It looks as though it would be uncomfortable, but looks are deceiving.
It is light and the head band is broad and soft. I wore it for most of
the three weeks I took to build my K2 with no discomfort.

Magnification factor: Beats me, but the lenses are marked with a "5"*.
I doubt that means 5x. Perhaps it means 5 diopter. Mine also has a
loupe that swings down over one lens to add an additional 2.5x. I only
used the loupe to read the writing on the smallest capacitors. Here's
the loupe:

http://www.doneganoptical.com/optiloupe.php

They make a lighted version, but I have no experience with it:

http://www.doneganoptical.com/visorlight.php

73, Wayne Conrad KF7QGA

* They sell other lenses so you can have whatever magnification you want.

On 07/19/2011 06:27 AM, Jim Wiley wrote:
> I would like to get the opinion of Elecraft list members, particularly
> builders of kit versions of the K1, K2, and K3, concerning magnifier
> lamps. These are commonly known as "Luxo lamps", although that is only
> the best known brand. In other words, what are you using, how does it
> work for you, and what don't you like, if anything,
>

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zeke7237

Re: OT - Magnifier lamp

I've been using a 5 diopter Optivisor ever since I started SMT work at
the turn of the century .. plus a halogen desk lamp and a good pair of
tweezers :)

de w1rt/john

On Tue, Jul 19, 2011 at 10:12 AM, Wayne Conrad <[hidden email]> wrote:

> I'm with those who prefer head-mounted magnification. I built my K2
> while wearing an Optivisor:
>
> http://www.doneganoptical.com/optivisor.php
>
> It looks as though it would be uncomfortable, but looks are deceiving.
> It is light and the head band is broad and soft. I wore it for most of
> the three weeks I took to build my K2 with no discomfort.
>
> Magnification factor: Beats me, but the lenses are marked with a "5"*.
> I doubt that means 5x. Perhaps it means 5 diopter. Mine also has a
> loupe that swings down over one lens to add an additional 2.5x. I only
> used the loupe to read the writing on the smallest capacitors. Here's
> the loupe:
>
> http://www.doneganoptical.com/optiloupe.php
>
> They make a lighted version, but I have no experience with it:
>
> http://www.doneganoptical.com/visorlight.php
>
> 73, Wayne Conrad KF7QGA
>
> * They sell other lenses so you can have whatever magnification you want.
>
> On 07/19/2011 06:27 AM, Jim Wiley wrote:
>> I would like to get the opinion of Elecraft list members, particularly
>> builders of kit versions of the K1, K2, and K3, concerning magnifier
>> lamps. These are commonly known as "Luxo lamps", although that is only
>> the best known brand. In other words, what are you using, how does it
>> work for you, and what don't you like, if anything,
>>
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:[hidden email]
>
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
>

ac0h

Re: OT - Magnifier lamp

In reply to this post by John Ragle

I put my entire stuffed K2/100 together with the same lamp.
No problems and I don't hear any noise from the lamp in said K2.

I had to get used to soldering through the magnifier but that's only
because I'd never done it before. No big deal.

> Jim...(and list)...
>
> Save your money!
>
> I have a Luxo lamp mounted on a tensor arm and with a 6" dia circline
> fluorescent bulb. This particular one has the power supply in the
> base. It was made in USA. Two (very negative) comments:
>
> 1. The power supply is extremely noisy (RF noise). I had expected
> that the fluorescent fixture would be noisy, but this lamp is a real
> noise-pig EVEN WHEN THE LAMP IS OFF. I cannot have it plugged in when
> I am operating, as it saturates my receiver with RF noise.
>
> 2. The magnifier was almost useless for circuit board work. This is
> because the "edge effects" are quite large, in the sense that the
> in-focus image is only a tiny part of the whole aperture, and there
> is no binocular effect.

> John Ragle -- W1ZI

--
R. Kevin Stover
AC0H
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AC7AC

Re: OT - Magnifier lamp

In reply to this post by zeke7237

CONTENTS DELETED

The author has deleted this message.

w7nmd

Re: OT - Magnifier lamp

In reply to this post by Wayne Conrad

The designations for the Optivisor are as follows:

Each unit comes with one lens. Other interchangeable lenses are available.
In this table, Pwr = magnification power and FL = focal length.

. No . . Power. . FL
. .2 . . 1.50 . . 20"
. .3 . . 1.75 . . 14"
. .4 . . 2.00 . . 10"
. .5 . . 2.50 . . .8"
. .7 . . 2.75 . . .6"
. 10 . . 3.50 . . .4"

I have the 3 & 5. I use the 3 for most work.

Palmer Byrne W7NMD

_____

From: Wayne Conrad [via Elecraft]
[mailto:[hidden email]]
Sent: Tuesday, July 19, 2011 9:13 AM
To: pcbyrne
Subject: Re: OT - Magnifier lamp

I'm with those who prefer head-mounted magnification. I built my K2
while wearing an Optivisor:

http://www.doneganoptical.com/optivisor.php

It looks as though it would be uncomfortable, but looks are deceiving.
It is light and the head band is broad and soft. I wore it for most of
the three weeks I took to build my K2 with no discomfort.

Magnification factor: Beats me, but the lenses are marked with a "5"*.
I doubt that means 5x. Perhaps it means 5 diopter. Mine also has a
loupe that swings down over one lens to add an additional 2.5x. I only
used the loupe to read the writing on the smallest capacitors. Here's
the loupe:

<snip>

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Edward R Cole

Re: OT - Magnifier lamp

In reply to this post by Jim Wiley-2

------------------------------

Message: 38
Date: Tue, 19 Jul 2011 08:39:02 -0700
From: "Ron D'Eau Claire" <[hidden email]>
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] OT - Magnifier lamp
To: <[hidden email]>
Message-ID: <003801cc4629$fcd7db30$f6879190$@biz>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"

I'm an Optivisor user too since the 1980's. It's comfortable enough to cause
a fellow a lot of embarrassment.
===snip
A nice feature of the Optivisor is that the magnifier hood flips up out of
the way when you don't need it so you don't have to constantly take it off
and put it on. It's so light it's easy to forget you are wearing it. And I
had. I was walking around with that darn thing sticking straight up above my
head. That's what they were smiling about.

Pretty hard on a single guy's ego, I must say.
===snip
sort of like pocket protectors and tape holding one's glasses together - eh?
Dilbert syndrome!
===

And now, at an age where I've become "invisible" to pretty young women, I'm
still messing with SMDs and other tiny parts and the Optivisor is still my
constant companion.

But, ah..., it was a very good year.
==Sinatra sang it so well

73,

Ron AC7AC

73, Ed - KL7UW, WD2XSH/45
======================================
BP40IQ 500 KHz - 10-GHz www.kl7uw.com
EME: 50-1.1kw?, 144-1.4kw, 432-100w, 1296-60w, 3400-?
DUBUS Magazine USA Rep [hidden email]
======================================

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Phil Kane-2

Re: OT - Magnifier lamp

In reply to this post by Jim Wiley-2

On 7/19/2011 6:27 AM, Jim Wiley wrote:

> I would like to get the opinion of Elecraft list members, particularly
> builders of kit versions of the K1, K2, and K3, concerning magnifier
> lamps. These are commonly known as "Luxo lamps", although that is only
> the best known brand. In other words, what are you using, how does it
> work for you, and what don't you like, if anything,

I have only peripheral eyesight in one eye, so it's monocular
eyesight for close-up work - a soldering iron in my hands is a
deadly weapon. I use a magnifier for reading or examining
things where monocular eyesight is acceptable.

I'm using a LEDGE (brand) swing-arm magnifier that I coaxed from
my artist wife. Description below.

> Best magnification factor. The most common are 1.75X (3
> diopter) and 2.25X (5 diopter).

Not sure.

> Size and shape of magnifying lens:

4" round (spherical ?)

> Focal range: how far from work is optimum, and what are close
> and far limits

I usually adjust the lens from the work and my eye from the
lens for a clear image so I can't quantify that. Sometimes I
have to use my reading glasses in addition to the magnifier.

> Eyestrain: distortion, clarity of lens, adequacy of illumination

No problem. My eyestrain comes from excessive reading rather than
from the mechanics of the magnification.

> Illumination: LED vs. CFL - how long to reach max output

Screw-base small daylight color-corrected CFL. Very bright.
Instant on.

> Positioning: Best arm length, does the unit "stay where it's put?"

Most of the time. Had to take a pair of pliers to the
thumbscrews to make the joints tighter

> Mounting: Clamp mount, robustness of mount. Can the unit be removed
> from the base / desk clamp, etc.

Clamped onto rear of desktop. Can't remove the unit without
taking the mount off.

> Ease of working under the lamp/ magnifier: Does the unit get in
> the way of soldering, etc.

See above !

> Problems observed: What could be done better

Suits my needs.

-- 73 de K2ASP - Phil Kane
Elecraft K2/100 s/n 5402

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KC6CNN

Re: OT - Magnifier lamp

In reply to this post by Grant Youngman

CONTENTS DELETED

The author has deleted this message.

John Ragle

CW prosigns

Gerald...

Try

http://www.radioing.com/hamstart/cw.html

or just google "CW Prosigns"

John Ragle -- W1ZI

=====

On 7/19/2011 1:50 PM, Gerald Manthey wrote:
> Could one of you cw veterans list all the appropriate prosigns. I am getting
> into working cw and it would help.

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Terry Schieler

Re: OT - Magnifier lamp

In reply to this post by AC7AC

Ron wrote: " One recommendation - get the type with an adjustment knob on
the head band."

I have that magnifier also, and the adjustment knob comes in especially
handy after a fresh haircut!

Terry, W0FM

-----Original Message-----
From: Ron D'Eau Claire [mailto:[hidden email]]
Sent: Tuesday, July 19, 2011 10:39 AM
To: [hidden email]
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] OT - Magnifier lamp

I'm an Optivisor user too since the 1980's. It's comfortable enough to cause
a fellow a lot of embarrassment.

Back then I spent a period of time repairing land mobile radios for a
company in Oakland, CA. The Optivisor was boon for swapping out SMDs,
especially on tiny hand-held radio pc boards.

One day as I walked through the office several attractive young women looked
up and smiled, so I couldn't resist "chatting them up" a bit. After a few
minutes it dawned on me they weren't really making eye contact but were
staring at the top of my head.

A nice feature of the Optivisor is that the magnifier hood flips up out of
the way when you don't need it so you don't have to constantly take it off
and put it on. It's so light it's easy to forget you are wearing it. And I
had. I was walking around with that darn thing sticking straight up above my
head. That's what they were smiling about.

Pretty hard on a single guy's ego, I must say.

One recommendation - get the type with an adjustment knob on the head band.
There's one style that uses a simpler "tab and slot" head band adjustment,
but I've found it comes loose too easily. The knob allows precise tension
adjustment that I found superior. (Yes, I bought two - one for work and one
for the 'shack').

And now, at an age where I've become "invisible" to pretty young women, I'm
still messing with SMDs and other tiny parts and the Optivisor is still my
constant companion.

But, ah..., it was a very good year.

73,

Ron AC7AC

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