tomiseksj
Moderator 
Woodbridge, Virginia, USA
Posts: 6,385 
What I collect: Worldwide stamps/covers, Cinderellas, Ohio Prepaid Sales Tax Receipts, U.S. WWII Ration ephemera
|
Post by tomiseksj on Dec 4, 2015 13:56:54 GMT
... with IrfanView I am stumped so far, haven't really had to much time to play with it yet. I did get the scan of the stamp open in IrfanView. That about as far as I have gotten so far. Any step by step help to crop, resize etc would be helpful. I just lost my old computer and all the files on it and the external hard drive with Norton back-up proved worthless. It will take me awhile to get back in action. In the interim, clicking below will take you to a series of short YouTube videos that should answer most of your questions (they should play sequentially on the YouTube site): |
|
AirmailEd
Member 
Inactive
Posts: 174
What I collect: Worldwide airmail stamps through 1940, unused
|
Post by AirmailEd on Dec 4, 2015 20:05:35 GMT
...with IrfanView I am stumped so far, haven't really had to much time to play with it yet. I did get the scan of the stamp open in IrfanView. That about as far as I have gotten so far. Any step by step help to crop, resize etc would be helpful. Carabop: IrfanView is powerful, but not terribly intuitive. Here's what I do. Open Irfanview. Click File>>Open to open your file. To crop, place the cursor at the upper left. Depress the left mouse button and draw a box around the area you want to include in the crop. Don't worry about getting the lines just right. You can adjust them once you draw the box. With the box finished, go to the top of IrfanView. Click Edit>>Crop Selection. Anything outside the box will be removed. Your picture will still probably be measured in megabytes. That is much, much too large to post on the Internet. To reduce the picture's size, at the top of IrfanView, click Image>>Resize/Resample. In the window that opens, find Set New Size. There, you can set the width and height of the image. I always use pixels. For Stamp Forum, for instance, maximum width is 861 pixels. When you set the width, the height will be adjusted automatically. (Maximum width on StampoRama is 900 pixels; Stampboards has a maximum height of 900 pixels.) Next, save the image. Click File>>Save As. The Save As window will open. A second window to its right will also open: JPEG/GIF save options. At the top of that window is a slider. I set mine to 50 percent. I then save the file in the Save As window. If I am posting a scan of an album page, the forgoing process typically will reduce the scan from 4-5 megabytes to 200-300 kilobytes. |
|
Jerry B
Departed
Rest in Peace
Marietta, Georgia USA
Posts: 1,485
|
Post by Jerry B on Dec 4, 2015 21:10:45 GMT
Hi
I tried IrfanView and I think it is a great piece of software, especially since it is free. I agree, it is not too intuitive. I played with it for a couple of hours trying all the options and whatever. In the process I used NotePad and made notes of how to use the options I thought I might need. If you do that you will be surprised at how much it does and you will also find that it is relatively simple to use.
Jerry B
|
|
rod222
Member
Posts: 11,047
What I collect: Worldwide Stamps, Ephemera and Catalogues
|
Post by rod222 on Dec 4, 2015 22:26:43 GMT
Suggestion:
Take your HDD to a IT specialist, all may not be lost.
Future:
Enquire or get advice "Acronis True image" $70 and external HDD $80 You can clone your computer (including the operating system)
If this happens again, you'll be up and running again in 2 hrs
|
|
|
|
Post by carabop on Dec 5, 2015 2:06:00 GMT
Thanks fellows I haven't had any time to get into this but I plan too as soon as I can. One of my aunts passed on and my mom is not doing well. I tried and I tried and I tried and I tried again and this is what I came up with.  |
|
Doe
Departed
Rest in Peace
Posts: 234 
What I collect: Chicago Baseball & Lou Gehrig covers, Mars Exploration covers, Zeppelins & Manned Stratospheric Balloons , Anti-Fascism, Classic China (thru A31), Hong Kong (thru A25)
|
Post by Doe on Dec 19, 2015 16:40:14 GMT
I actually am tech challenged as most here know.I bought a Digital microscope and when I got the connection etc. figured out it was very simple.My total investment was right around $25 and I am of the opinion a worthy investment.I can look at stamps ,flyspecking those I suspect under the 20x loupe.My prompts under scanner allow me to chose to use the ink jet scanner or the scope so pretty cut and dry use. This is for viewing on your monitor, yes? Goodness, I looked at them on Amazon about a month ago, and they were all quite pricey. Where did you find such a bargain, if I may ask? |
|
Admin
Administrator 
Posts: 2,676
|
Post by Admin on Dec 19, 2015 16:56:51 GMT
I actually am tech challenged as most here know.I bought a Digital microscope and when I got the connection etc. figured out it was very simple.My total investment was right around $25 and I am of the opinion a worthy investment.I can look at stamps ,flyspecking those I suspect under the 20x loupe.My prompts under scanner allow me to chose to use the ink jet scanner or the scope so pretty cut and dry use. This is for viewing on your monitor, yes? Goodness, I looked at them on Amazon about a month ago, and they were all quite pricey. Where did you find such a bargain, if I may ask? E bay vendors from China, low shipping do a eBay search |
|
Ryan
Moderator
Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Posts: 2,749
What I collect: If I have a catalogue for it, I collect it. And I have many catalogues ....
|
Post by Ryan on Dec 20, 2015 8:04:31 GMT
Yes, it's amazing how low the prices can be on the microscopes from China. I've bought many different types over the years, enough to have given away three of them while still having three kicking around the house (yeesh). I just look at them as inexpensive test drives. If I like the latest purchase, I turn it into the current one in use - and sometimes a change is necessary as operating systems are updated. I think the last one cost me $0.99 plus shipping.
Ryan
|
|
Doe
Departed
Rest in Peace
Posts: 234
What I collect: Chicago Baseball & Lou Gehrig covers, Mars Exploration covers, Zeppelins & Manned Stratospheric Balloons , Anti-Fascism, Classic China (thru A31), Hong Kong (thru A25)
|
Post by Doe on Dec 22, 2015 0:13:03 GMT
Found one for just under $20 (including shipping), and ordered it last night. It should arrive in about a week. Hopefully it will work with Windows 10. I've avoided buying games etc... because I haven't come across anything I'm interested in that specifically states that it's compatible with W10. Fingers crossed!
|
|
Doe
Departed
Rest in Peace
Posts: 234
What I collect: Chicago Baseball & Lou Gehrig covers, Mars Exploration covers, Zeppelins & Manned Stratospheric Balloons , Anti-Fascism, Classic China (thru A31), Hong Kong (thru A25)
|
Post by Doe on Dec 28, 2015 18:50:23 GMT
Found one for just under $20 (including shipping), and ordered it last night. It should arrive in about a week. Hopefully it will work with Windows 10. I've avoided buying games etc... because I haven't come across anything I'm interested in that specifically states that it's compatible with W10. Fingers crossed! It does not work with Windows 10. |
|
tomiseksj
Moderator
Woodbridge, Virginia, USA
Posts: 6,385
What I collect: Worldwide stamps/covers, Cinderellas, Ohio Prepaid Sales Tax Receipts, U.S. WWII Ration ephemera
|
Post by tomiseksj on Dec 28, 2015 22:57:28 GMT
Don't give up yet. I recently had a hard drive failure that resulted in my purchasing a new computer with Windows 10 (and paying over $600 to recover the majority of files on my old hard drive...another story).
Today i installed my digital microscope drive and the USB device isn't recognized. However, when pressing the red capture button on the side of the microscope, a functional video capture screen opens, allowing for a workaround (I take a 1 second video and then a snapshot of the playback).
You might have similar results with your device.
|
|
rod222
Member
Posts: 11,047
What I collect: Worldwide Stamps, Ephemera and Catalogues
|
Post by rod222 on Dec 29, 2015 0:17:34 GMT
Try locating the manufacturers website, Doe,
they most probably have an update for W10
|
|
|
|
Post by carabop on Jan 3, 2016 5:15:54 GMT
Did you get your microscope working doe?
|
|
Doe
Departed
Rest in Peace
Posts: 234
What I collect: Chicago Baseball & Lou Gehrig covers, Mars Exploration covers, Zeppelins & Manned Stratospheric Balloons , Anti-Fascism, Classic China (thru A31), Hong Kong (thru A25)
|
Post by Doe on Jan 3, 2016 14:08:09 GMT
No, not on my Windows 10 laptop. It works on the old Windows Vista. On my computer, every time I turn on the microscope, it turns on my pc camera. It's really weird because I have never turned on the pc camera. It is turned off in my settings, but the microscope somehow turns it on, and then does not show me anything through the microscope. Plus my laptop does not want to acknowledge the disc. I gave the microscope to someone who is running Vista.
|
|
tomiseksj
Moderator
Woodbridge, Virginia, USA
Posts: 6,385
What I collect: Worldwide stamps/covers, Cinderellas, Ohio Prepaid Sales Tax Receipts, U.S. WWII Ration ephemera
|
Post by tomiseksj on Jan 3, 2016 17:51:29 GMT
Windows 10 has a feature accessible through the control panel/programs/programs and features named "Run programs made for previous versions of Windows." Perhaps one more attempt is in order.
|
|
firstfrog2013
Member
Posts: 3,276
What I collect: BNA Liberia St Pierre U.S. Bolivia Turkey
|
Post by firstfrog2013 on Dec 1, 2018 16:39:00 GMT
Had to vent so I put it here.I purchased another little plastic loupe from Don over at stampwright.Last year when I ordered one it came broken in transit so I just bought another at that time.No big deal less than $5 total.This year I wanted another so again less than $5 total and again it arrived broken.I sent him a message and my hope is he says it's his turn but who knows.Worst part is the delay between ordering and receiving from Canada so even this supposedly simple transaction can turn into a two month purchase.
Update: seller is re-sending.Don was original editor of Unitrade.Been doing business with him many years now.He also handles lots of cinderellas.
|
|
janetc
Member
Inactive
Posts: 320
What I collect: US and WW. Lighthouses, Dragons and Christmas
|
Post by janetc on Dec 13, 2018 18:42:48 GMT
Since this thread is several years old I thought I would throw out a current question:
I have never used a digital telescope and so I have no idea what is out there and which is the best for stamping. I looked on ebay and I can't make heads nor tails out of all the powers, mb, etc. Anyone have any ideas for someone on a limited budget?
|
|
renden
Member
Posts: 9,162
What I collect: Canada-USA-France-Lithuania-Austria--Germany-Mauritius-French Colonies in Africa
|
Post by renden on Dec 13, 2018 19:02:33 GMT
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Dec 13, 2018 19:10:16 GMT
Anyone have any ideas for someone on a limited budget? Hi,
From an amateur astronomy guy -
A USB Microscope should preferably have an adjustable rigid stand (very important for stability), internal multi light LED source and fine magnification adjustments As far as magnification, anything in the 10X to 50X will do fine - you don't need more. Ads for $30 250X - to 1000X types are misleading, they simply cannot resolve that type of magnification properly - if you know the difference
It should have a multi element lens system, probably 3-5 lenses
Like a digital camera, it has an image sensor which should be in the 3-5MP range - good cameras are in the 12-20 range
Make sure it is compatible with your operating system
Try to buy from a manufacturer that makes good telescopes and or other optical devices but the price may be higher - no substitute for quality.
Lots of brand options to choose from and a good manufacturer will provide all or most of the above info.
Expect to pay $50-$100 for a decent scope. Most if not all will be made in China. 25 years ago, I would never have bought a telescope in China, now they make some of the best and I have several made there. Most collectors will mention they use a basic hand magnifier but they have a big issue taking images  |
|
renden
Member
Posts: 9,162
What I collect: Canada-USA-France-Lithuania-Austria--Germany-Mauritius-French Colonies in Africa
|
Post by renden on Dec 13, 2018 19:35:38 GMT
How much is that one, Nelson and where to buy (my preference is Canada - Thanks for your input - mine must be junk !!!
René
|
|
angore
Member
Posts: 5,698
What I collect: WW, focus on British Empire
|
Post by angore on Dec 13, 2018 21:46:48 GMT
I have a Celestron model that be used tethered or untethered. It is ok (probably not the best performance/cost). I do not like it that it has no manual exposure. The lighting is adjustable but the imager will adjust too automatically.
|
|
firstfrog2013
Member
Posts: 3,276
What I collect: BNA Liberia St Pierre U.S. Bolivia Turkey
|
Post by firstfrog2013 on Dec 13, 2018 22:00:08 GMT
My little Chinese(probably all made there) $25 USB microscope functions quite alright janetc I try not to spend too much on stuff so I can spend more on stamps. |
|
Ryan
Moderator
Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Posts: 2,749
What I collect: If I have a catalogue for it, I collect it. And I have many catalogues ....
|
Post by Ryan on Dec 14, 2018 16:13:31 GMT
I have never used a digital telescope and so I have no idea what is out there and which is the best for stamping. I looked on ebay and I can't make heads nor tails out of all the powers, mb, etc. We have another thread on TSF discussing digital microscopes and I added some images taken with one of my scopes. You can see there that high powers of magnification don't really do you much good at all - stamp paper isn't smooth at such high levels of magnification and every stamp will end up looking unique as the ink catches various fibres in the paper.  Ryan |
|
brightonpete
Departed
Rest in Peace
On a hike at Goodrich-Loomis
Posts: 5,110
|
Post by brightonpete on Dec 14, 2018 16:49:04 GMT
How much is that one, Nelson and where to buy (my preference is Canada - Thanks for your input - mine must be junk !!! René Just go to this link for all your coin & stamp supplies in Canada... |
|
renden
Member
Posts: 9,162
What I collect: Canada-USA-France-Lithuania-Austria--Germany-Mauritius-French Colonies in Africa
|
Post by renden on Dec 14, 2018 16:57:38 GMT
How much is that one, Nelson and where to buy (my preference is Canada - Thanks for your input - mine must be junk !!! René Just go to this link for all your coin & stamp supplies in Canada... Thanks for the link Pete brightonpete ! They have a nice microscope on sale........but I just spent my allowance on a Canada 7  René |
|
mikeclevenger
Member
Inactive
Posts: 887
What I collect: Ohio Tax Stamps, Ohio & Georgia Revenues, US Revenues, US FDC's, & Germany Classics
|
Post by mikeclevenger on Dec 15, 2018 15:14:26 GMT
If you have a smartphone, you can download an app for a magnifier. I have "Cozy Magnifier" from the App Store, but it all depends on how good your camera is also. Mine is a 12MP. It isn't the best for real clarity on really, really, small parts you need to see, but for everyday use it works pretty good. I have better ones, but this is just easy. You just have to make sure it is on a steady surface, which I was not doing here, LOL. Here are pictures of the magnifications it can give you. This is the edge of a perf 11 stamp.
   |
|
|
|
Post by jimwentzell on Dec 15, 2018 21:52:24 GMT
I still use an old-fashioned, REAL magnifying glass most of the times, though I have several different Lighthouse-brand types.
|
|
mikeclevenger
Member
Inactive
Posts: 887
What I collect: Ohio Tax Stamps, Ohio & Georgia Revenues, US Revenues, US FDC's, & Germany Classics
|
Post by mikeclevenger on Dec 16, 2018 14:30:05 GMT
|
|
