USB Microscope using MacOS (PID 636)

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packed lunch
 
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USB Microscope using MacOS (PID 636)

Post by packed lunch »

Pretty disappointed with the control software that comes with this product for Mac. As it shipped, I thought the scope was faulty, but after messing around with the scope in Photo Booth it's clear the thing actually works okay.
It's the software that, at least in my case, makes the thing near unusable.

It kind of works if the resolution is set low enough in the preview (< 640X480) - but, annoyingly the preview size is also the final captured image size... I haven't found any way of adjusting that.

(My system FWIW: MacBookPro5,1 4GB RAM - OSX 10.8.5)

P.S. This gadget is potentially awesome, from what I've been able to see through Photo Booth, the refresh rate is good and it could happily do as advertised.

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adafruit_support_mike
 
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Re: USB Microscope using MacOS (PID 636)

Post by adafruit_support_mike »

Have you tried the software bundle linked from the 'Downloads' tab on the product page?

http://www.adafruit.com/datasheets/MicrocaptureV2.5.zip

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packed lunch
 
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Re: USB Microscope using MacOS (PID 636)

Post by packed lunch »

Hi, thanks for replying.

Yes, I had tried that download, and a few others that might support the camera (is the camera made by Z-Star Microelectronics Corporation?).

I've stumbled upon a bit of a kludge workaround. Using Photobooth for previewing/targeting, then setting MicroCapture software to maximum size and keeping it as a background application.

So long as Photobooth is the front application MicroCapture seems to behave itself. Then I just temporarily switch back to take the picture. Voodoo, or something I guess...

Seems to be working a treat though!

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adafruit_support_rick
 
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Re: USB Microscope using MacOS (PID 636)

Post by adafruit_support_rick »

I agree that the Mac software leaves a lot to be desired.

However, there is a really nice Mac app that works with the microscope. I checked it out - it's a lot better than even the Windows app that comes with the microscope.

http://edhsw.com/mixscope/

Downside is that it's $18. But it works in trial mode so you can see what you think of it.

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packed lunch
 
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Re: USB Microscope using MacOS (PID 636)

Post by packed lunch »

Wow, you're not kidding. That's much better!

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adafruit_support_rick
 
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Re: USB Microscope using MacOS (PID 636)

Post by adafruit_support_rick »

Yep - makes the Windows version look sick.

maxilo
 
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Re: USB Microscope using MacOS (PID 636)

Post by maxilo »

Thanks for the info guys!

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