[Elecraft] Optivisor
Following on the magnifier thread. I settled for a cheap-o head magnifier sometime back when I had some sudden need. It was OK, but I still wanted better. I just did some searches for the Donegan Optical Optivisor (mentioned in the recent threads) and found their web site has a dealer locator. It did miss some local sources I had found elsewhere in searches (such as a jewelry working supplier quite conveniently near my office.. I hope to get there in a few days and check them out re. the various magnifier levels.. I think you can get interchangable lenses). This was suggestec by a school of arts advisory for their incoming jewelry arts summer students. Once source was a supplier for eradication of head lice... So you never know where! Also, model train kit/building suppliers... I found one on the US/Canada border that serves Canada and USA from B.C. and Washington state. Your info for what you like. Prices varied greatly... one go-to place for tools I found was about 30 dollars more than the average I have seen. I will be getting one for some SMD work and general work. Now that I have a Wal-Mart griddle and embossing tool for 'frying' and heating up SMD boards/components and some solder paste on the way along with a small Hendricks kit to try out the SMD working process! Brien VE3VAW Toronto ON __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] Optivisor
I found a dealer on Amazon.com (Fargo Enterprises, Inc.) and bought a 2x Optivison for $29.16 postpaid. Nelson, KU0A -Original Message- From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Brian Pepperdine Sent: Tuesday, July 19, 2011 10:33 AM To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: [Elecraft] Optivisor Following on the magnifier thread. I settled for a cheap-o head magnifier sometime back when I had some sudden need. It was OK, but I still wanted better. I just did some searches for the Donegan Optical Optivisor (mentioned in the recent threads) and found their web site has a dealer locator. It did miss some local sources I had found elsewhere in searches (such as a jewelry working supplier quite conveniently near my office.. I hope to get there in a few days and check them out re. the various magnifier levels.. I think you can get interchangable lenses). This was suggestec by a school of arts advisory for their incoming jewelry arts summer students. Once source was a supplier for eradication of head lice... So you never know where! Also, model train kit/building suppliers... I found one on the US/Canada border that serves Canada and USA from B.C. and Washington state. Your info for what you like. Prices varied greatly... one go-to place for tools I found was about 30 dollars more than the average I have seen. I will be getting one for some SMD work and general work. Now that I have a Wal-Mart griddle and embossing tool for 'frying' and heating up SMD boards/components and some solder paste on the way along with a small Hendricks kit to try out the SMD working process! Brien VE3VAW Toronto ON __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] Optivisor?
Tom CX7TT wrote: Looking to buy an Optivisor over the internet but not sure what power to get...I usually wear 1.50 or 1.75 cheaters to read...any suggestions for what to get to be able to solder those itty, bitty Elecraft parts? 73 Tom CX7TT I bought something similar on eBay a couple of years ago. It was made in China and is called Light Head Magnifying Glass model MP244L. I seem to remember it cost around USD 20 equivalent. It includes four lenses: 1.2X, 1.8X, 2.5X, 3.5X. I don't know if it is still available, but it might be worth a search. - Julian, G4ILO K3 s/n: 222 K2 s/n: 392 G4ILO's Shack: www.g4ilo.com KComm for K2/K3: www.g4ilo.com/kcomm.html -- View this message in context: http://www.nabble.com/Optivisor--tp18146737p18149890.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] Optivisor
Hi Tom (and Everyone): I use an Optivisor. I bought it during my KX1 build. It made a tremendous difference! You might want to get the magnifying attachment too. I got mine in the jewelery district. It seems to me Harbor Freight may have something like this on their website, if not the exact brand. I am excited as the next article on my series on the history of the novice era for QCWA Journal is arriving in the mailboxes of QCWA members. Its based on my novice website www.Novice.bappy.com Happy Field Day everyone! 73s, Cliff, WW6CC -- MASH [EMAIL PROTECTED] -- http://www.fastmail.fm - And now for something completely differentÂ… ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
RE: [Elecraft] Optivisor?
For local sources of Optivisor, try art and craft supply stores. Windy KM5Q ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] Optivisor?
On Jun 27, 2008, at 8:03 AM, Ron D'Eau Claire wrote: A word of warning to all the young gentlemen who want to look cool out there, I've been wearing Optivisors for 30 years now, ever since I handled my first SMDs. As a single fellow on the prowl I always wanted to look good. One day I jumped up from the bench in the lab to head into the front office at the company where I worked. As I walked through the facility, several attractive young women smiled broadly at me. I winked back and even chatted up one or two, wondering why I was suddenly so noticeable. My errand done, I returned to the lab to discover that I had flipped the Optivisor up over my head without thinking about it. They work great that way, getting the lenses out of the way without removing the nice padded head band. So what the YLs were smiling about was me walking through the facility with this ridiculous looking contraption sticking up on my head. Sigh! Ron AC7AC Another word of warning. Optivisors cut off peripheral vision. But I knew just where my soldering iron was. After a 2 hour wait in the emergency room, the doctor gave me a tube of silver sulfadiazine and told me to be careful. 700 degrees burns very fast. Usually, I can adjust the optivisor up slightly, so that I can also see underneath with glasses only. 73 Rick Dettinger K7MW ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
RE: [Elecraft] Optivisor?
LOL! -- Mike, KC0KBC -- Original message -- From: Ron D'Eau Claire [EMAIL PROTECTED] A word of warning to all the young gentlemen who want to look cool out there... ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] Optivisor?
I have the same opinion. I bought the 4s because I wanted all the magnification I could get. I found that the focal length is too close to be comfortable to me. The view is fine but the work is just too close. I intend to get 3s and I suspect they will be a better fit for me. Someone here explained the relationship of the number to the focal length. Prior, I didn't realize the number was anything but just a number. Thanks, Jim - Original Message - From: Mike [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Thursday, June 26, 2008 10:48 PM Subject: RE: [Elecraft] Optivisor? I'm sure distortion was a bad choice of words; it was not a cheap knock-off. Field of view was far too short with the 4x for me. The 3x has proven to be perfectly usable for me, with a much better field of view. The fact that I'm accustomed to progressives with a high power *may* be a factor here. As I said, I realize a lot of guys like the 4's. As an aside, I live less than 8 miles from the Optivisor company. -- 73, de Mike, KC0KBC -- Original message -- From: Ron D'Eau Claire [EMAIL PROTECTED] If you saw distortion, you had some defective lenses or a cheap knock-off Optivisor. True Optivisors have very high quality lenses. I susptect that's why they are significantly more expensive than the other binocular-type magnifiers. I use 4's with no distortion at all. ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] Optivisor?
At work I use a 3 generally but also have one of the little 2.5x flip down lenses attached so that I can zoom in closer when I need to. Very handy. Bob NW8L On Fri, Jun 27, 2008 at 2:09 PM, Jim Miller [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I have the same opinion. I bought the 4s because I wanted all the magnification I could get. I found that the focal length is too close to be comfortable to me. The view is fine but the work is just too close. I intend to get 3s and I suspect they will be a better fit for me. Someone here explained the relationship of the number to the focal length. Prior, I didn't realize the number was anything but just a number. Thanks, Jim - Original Message - From: Mike [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Thursday, June 26, 2008 10:48 PM Subject: RE: [Elecraft] Optivisor? I'm sure distortion was a bad choice of words; it was not a cheap knock-off. Field of view was far too short with the 4x for me. The 3x has proven to be perfectly usable for me, with a much better field of view. The fact that I'm accustomed to progressives with a high power *may* be a factor here. As I said, I realize a lot of guys like the 4's. As an aside, I live less than 8 miles from the Optivisor company. -- 73, de Mike, KC0KBC -- Original message -- From: Ron D'Eau Claire [EMAIL PROTECTED] If you saw distortion, you had some defective lenses or a cheap knock-off Optivisor. True Optivisors have very high quality lenses. I susptect that's why they are significantly more expensive than the other binocular-type magnifiers. I use 4's with no distortion at all. ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] Optivisor
Many tnx for all the reply s about the Optivisor and other units available. I had a magnifying glass/light which attached to desk with a C clamp which I used to build the K2...unfortunately, it was 110v only and I have enough extraneous 110v units plugged into my transformer under the desk. I will be getting the Optivisior on my next trip to the statesalong with the loop... Mucho gracias for todo. 73 Tom CX7TT ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] Optivisor?
Looking to buy an Optivisor over the internet but not sure what power to get...I usually wear 1.50 or 1.75 cheaters to read...any suggestions for what to get to be able to solder those itty, bitty Elecraft parts? 73 Tom CX7TT ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] Optivisor?
I went to a local retailer so I could try them all. I wound up with a DA-3 and an Optiloupe. It's a fantastic combination for me. I know a lot of guys go with a 4x, but to me it caused a lot of distortion. Remember that you can buy the optical plates separately so that if you need a couple of different powers it's not a big deal. -- 73, de Mike, KC0KBC -- Original message -- From: TMorton [EMAIL PROTECTED] Looking to buy an Optivisor over the internet but not sure what power to get...I usually wear 1.50 or 1.75 cheaters to read...any suggestions for what to get to be able to solder those itty, bitty Elecraft parts? 73 Tom CX7TT ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] Optivisor?
Hi Tom, I have several There are extra lenses available and I suggest you buy several different powers. Then, you'll be able to choose to fit the need. They change easily with just two screws. 73! Ken Kopp - K0PP [EMAIL PROTECTED] ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] Optivisor?
At 09:49 PM 6/26/2008, TMorton wrote: Looking to buy an Optivisor over the internet but not sure what power to get...I usually wear 1.50 or 1.75 cheaters to read...any suggestions for what to get to be able to solder those itty, bitty Elecraft parts? FYI - usually the number represents Diopters, which is the unit used to express the power of a lens. It is the reciprocal of the focal length expressed in meters. A lens with a diopter of 10 would enable your eyes to easily focus at 1/10 meter (3.9 inches). One with 5 would work well at 1/5 meter (7.8 inches), etc. Jerry W4UK ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
RE: [Elecraft] Optivisor?
I have 4's and, as Jerry noted, the allow me to focus down at 4, which I find a very comfortable working distance for close work. One of their greatest features (beyond giving your full binocular vision) is that you can wear eyeglasses under them. So if you have reading glasses you can wear them underneath to further increase the magnification without buying additional lenses or changing them. I do that a lot when I'm really peering at tiny stuff. Ron -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of TMorton Sent: Thursday, June 26, 2008 6:50 PM To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: [Elecraft] Optivisor? Looking to buy an Optivisor over the internet but not sure what power to get...I usually wear 1.50 or 1.75 cheaters to read...any suggestions for what to get to be able to solder those itty, bitty Elecraft parts? 73 Tom CX7TT ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
RE: [Elecraft] Optivisor?
If you saw distortion, you had some defective lenses or a cheap knock-off Optivisor. True Optivisors have very high quality lenses. I susptect that's why they are significantly more expensive than the other binocular-type magnifiers. I use 4's with no distortion at all. Ron AC7AC -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Mike Sent: Thursday, June 26, 2008 6:58 PM To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Optivisor? I went to a local retailer so I could try them all. I wound up with a DA-3 and an Optiloupe. It's a fantastic combination for me. I know a lot of guys go with a 4x, but to me it caused a lot of distortion. Remember that you can buy the optical plates separately so that if you need a couple of different powers it's not a big deal. -- 73, de Mike, KC0KBC -- Original message -- From: TMorton [EMAIL PROTECTED] Looking to buy an Optivisor over the internet but not sure what power to get...I usually wear 1.50 or 1.75 cheaters to read...any suggestions for what to get to be able to solder those itty, bitty Elecraft parts? 73 Tom CX7TT ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
RE: [Elecraft] Optivisor?
I'm sure distortion was a bad choice of words; it was not a cheap knock-off. Field of view was far too short with the 4x for me. The 3x has proven to be perfectly usable for me, with a much better field of view. The fact that I'm accustomed to progressives with a high power *may* be a factor here. As I said, I realize a lot of guys like the 4's. As an aside, I live less than 8 miles from the Optivisor company. -- 73, de Mike, KC0KBC -- Original message -- From: Ron D'Eau Claire [EMAIL PROTECTED] If you saw distortion, you had some defective lenses or a cheap knock-off Optivisor. True Optivisors have very high quality lenses. I susptect that's why they are significantly more expensive than the other binocular-type magnifiers. I use 4's with no distortion at all. ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] Optivisor
I just received my Optovisor from Enco www.use-enco.com. Price $22.95 plus shipping/handling, ordered from a sale catalog I received from them in the mail. Master catalog shows $24.95, but still the best price I have seen. Loupe attachment replacement lenses also available. See Master Catalog 251 in PDF format for complete listing. http://www.use-enco.com/CGI/INPDFF?PMPAGE=251 73 Dub J. W. (Dub) Thornton K5DUB Minco, OK. ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] Optivisor
Later: Sale catalog is good until June 30, 2005. Sale prices seem to be available by entering letters FG ahead of the model # shown in catalog, ie: FG632-5310 for the optovisor. Free UPS shipping is also available for orders of $50.00 or more, with promo code NRFUP55. Phone # 800 873-3626. I have ordered quite a number of machine tool items from Enco, over the past few years, and have always been very well pleased with their products prompt shipping. I just received my Optovisor from Enco www.use-enco.com. Price $22.95 plus shipping/handling, ordered from a sale catalog I received from them in the mail. Master catalog shows $24.95, but still the best price I have seen. Loupe attachment replacement lenses also available. See Master Catalog page 251 in PDF format for complete listing. http://www.use-enco.com/CGI/INPDFF?PMPAGE=251 73 Dub J. W. (Dub) Thornton K5DUB Minco, OK. ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] Optivisor
Here is a link to a site that has the Optivisor as cheap as I have seen it...less than 28 bucks. They also have the Opti-loop accessory which I have on my visor and like it very much for that really close up stuff. http://www.misterart.com/store/view/001/group_id/8142/Donegan-OptiVisor.htm Stan Rife W5EWA Houston, TX K2 S/N 4216 ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
RE: [Elecraft] OptiVisor option
Every time I see a picture of that OptiVisor head vise torture device I cringe. If you're wearing reading glasses for close-up work already then for the same price this is a significantly better solution: http://www.wassco.com/mag.html. They're made by Bausch Lomb, they're very high-quality, they work great, and they don't require the use of midieval head clamping technology. Craig NZ0R K1 #1966 ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
RE: [Elecraft] OptiVisor option
Craig NZ0R wrote: Every time I see a picture of that OptiVisor head vise torture device I cringe. If you're wearing reading glasses for close-up work already then for the same price this is a significantly better solution: http://www.wassco.com/mag.html. They're made by Bausch Lomb, they're very high-quality, they work great, and they don't require the use of midieval head clamping technology. -- That looks like a very nice option. Do you use them? Do they 'stay put' and not tip when bending over the work? I've been wearing an OptiVisor for close work for over 20 years now (and wearing it often!) I've never found it to be uncomfortable. The screw-adjustable padded headband keeps 'em secure without any tight feeling to me. Indeed, when I flip the hood with the lenses up I tend to forget I have it on. But then, my Stetson isn't uncomfortable either, even if I wear it all day. Clearly some people don't tolerate things on their heads very well. Ron AC7AC ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
