Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the magnification range of the speckFINDER?
The speckFINDER’s magnification range is from 1X to 40X and beyond. “Beyond” means that the image can be magnified further, but due to digital magnification the image begins to pixelate. Most images will be acceptable at 50X, but depending upon the application, additional magnification may not be helpful. The zoom range is continuous with the press of a button with no need to change lenses.

2. What is the working distance under the speckFINDER?
The working distance under the speckFINDER is about 9-inches (228 mm). This generous distance gives plenty of room to work under the speckFINDER with hands and tools. The working distance is constant across the magnification range so the position of the speckFINDER does not have to be altered while zooming to higher or lower magnification levels.

3. What is the field of view?
The field of view (FOV) varies with magnification.

FOV at 5-power is 1-inch (mm)
FOV at 10-power is 0.5-inch (mm)
FOV at 20-power is 0.25-inch (mm)
FOV at 40-power is 0.125-inch (mm)

4. Can I save the images from the speckFINDER?
Images that appear on the display can be saved as still images or video through the use of a video capture card. The composite video signal is compatible with Dazor’s recommended video capture card, as well as other standard video capture cards. Images can be saved in a variety of file formats, but typically are saved as JPEG or BMP at 640 X 480 resolution. Images and video can also be saved to a standard VCR.

5. Can the speckFINDER measure images on the screen?
The speckFINDER cannot directly measure live images on the screen. However, if images are saved with a video capture card, the saved images can be measured easily through a 3rd party measurement software program. Please contact Dazor if you have a measurement application.

6. Does the speckFINDER have auto focus?
Yes, the speckFINDER has auto focus. Auto focus is most effective for relatively flat surfaces and when the movement of the object is infrequent. Manual focus is best when the object has a pronounced uneven surface or where tools are moving near the focus point. Manual focus is best when holding an object in your hand since the camera will not try to refocus with each slight hand movement. Manual focus is controlled by pressing one of two buttons on the control mouse.

7. Is the speckFINDER a digital or analog system?
The speckFINDER uses a CCD camera that produces analog output through a composite video port. The camera has a digital zoom feature that extends magnification beyond the optical zoom.

8. Can the speckFINDER be used for training and presentation?
A great benefit of the speckFINDER is its use in training and presentation. In small group training situations, the speckFINDER allows multiple people to watch images on the screen as the instructor demonstrates and explains. Everyone sees at the same time what the instructor is doing. No need to repeat the action or procedure multiple times for each student. For presentations to larger audiences, the speckFINDER can be connected to a large screen TV, VGA monitor, or LCD projector. Finally, multiple speckFINDERs can be “daisy-chained” or connected to each other so that the image appearing on the first unit is displayed on all of the other units.

9. What are the ergonomic benefits of the speckFINDER?
The use of the speckFINDER in the workplace represents a common sense approach to alleviating the fatigue and physical problems associated with conventional microscopes. Since viewing the speckFINDER is similar to looking at the many displays, screens, and monitors encountered in our daily lives, people acclimate to it quickly. They don’t have to learn to focus their eyes and integrate the separate visual paths of optical scopes. Fewer physical problems develop when viewing for extended periods because there is no need to maintain a fixed posture. This “posture freedom” allows the person to adjust positions as needed in order to alleviate muscle strain in the neck, shoulders, arms, back, and legs. Fewer physical issues for workers means better concentration and productivity, less time off the job, and lower workers’ compensation costs.

10. How is the speckFINDER workspace friendly?
The speckFINDER is easily adaptable to a variety of magnification tasks in the workspace with minimal setup time. Since it is mounted on a sturdy, adjustable arm, it has significant advantages over systems with heavy weighted bases and separate full-size monitors. The adjustable arm clamped to a table edge leaves a very small footprint on the work surface, and uses no surface space at all when mounted to a wall or directly to a workstation vertical track. Other tasks besides magnified viewing can be performed in the same workspace because the video microscope and monitor are not occupying the work surface. In a few seconds, the speckFINDER can be pushed out of the way to free up precious space for other tasks at the same workstation. When mounted between two adjacent workstations, the reach of the adjustable arm allows the speckFINDER to be used in either location.

11. What type of lighting is available?
Check out our light selection guide here!