CactiGuide.com

If you are here, you have, and can afford a computer with Internet access. And if you are a serious collector of succulents, then you know your habit is not quite cheap. So with that in mind, I would like to recommend as a tool for diagnostic use, a USB Microscope. These items can be had for as little as $26 from Amazon. The upper limit ranges significantly higher.

But for as little a $26 you can have a device which will not only magnify from as low as about 20x up to a range of 200 - 400x, display that image on your computer screen (which is, BTW, significantly bigger than a magnifying glass), AND, unlike the magnifying glass, it will capture both still photos AND video.

Seldom have I found a purchase as useful or interesting ... AND satisfying. Get yourself one ... I cannot, not for the first moment, think that you will regret it.

Reply to this when you read it. I'm wondering who might see it, who might have been glad to see this posting and who just don't care. take ONE moment ... please.

Sample Shot: Mealy bug infestation on a Gymnocalycium cardenasianum

Magnification is critical for mites, but I find it tricky to carry my computer into the greenhouse I'm still stuck in the 20th (19th?) century with a hand lens.

iann wrote:Magnification is critical for mites, but I find it tricky to carry my computer into the greenhouse I'm still stuck in the 20th (19th?) century with a hand lens.

K.W.


PS I did heater, dehumidifier and phone in the greenhouse - but the computer stays outside.

I have one of these, in my case from PlexGear but it's the same as this at Amazon: Plugable USB 2.0 Digital Microscope for Windows, Mac, Linux (2MP, 10x-50x Optical Zoom, 200x Digital Magnification)

it's having some problems to be recognized by the computer when turned on, I have never really figured out why. The practical resolution when looking for small mites is not better than a normal 20x loupe (I think it has a chip w. 1MPx). The only real advantage is that you can capture the images on the computer.