Will
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What I collect: Venezuela: ESCUELAS 1871-1880, Locals up to 1903. Cinderellas and BOB | Colombia: Up to 1940. States!
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Post by Will on Aug 27, 2019 14:57:06 GMT
I could finally get a Signoscope T1 really cheap! I received it yesterday and was having fun with it. It is so cool! Easy to use, easy to store, and very effective!
There's one thing I'm missing that I'd love to have. Fortunately, I believe it's an easy hack.
I'd love to have different wavelengths... not just yellow. Strong LED strips are super cheap nowadays and being able to quickly change between blue, red, yellow, and dark purple would make a huge difference on the things that you'd be able to catch... and it shouldn't be that difficult to hack, even for my rusted electronic kung fu (which at its peak was more like Tai-Chi anyway.)
Has anyone attempted something like this? Any hint?
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Jerry B
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Post by Jerry B on Aug 27, 2019 16:20:32 GMT
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Will
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Posts: 84
What I collect: Venezuela: ESCUELAS 1871-1880, Locals up to 1903. Cinderellas and BOB | Colombia: Up to 1940. States!
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Post by Will on Aug 27, 2019 21:43:28 GMT
Thanks Jerry B ! I'd like to experiment... There got to be a difference using, say, a blue or dark purple light on a red stamp! It can't be the same that using regular yellow light. in terms of the actual hacking, I was thinking in something even more mundane... Just attaching a short LED strip to the actual circuitry (which seems extremely basic anyway). I'm not sure if the voltage will be enough... I'll probably need to use an alternate power supply for the LEDS... but I guess I can use the one that comes with the strip. We'll see! |
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jpotx113
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Posts: 460
What I collect: USA, Germany, Croatia, Slovenia, Machins, misc. WW
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Post by jpotx113 on Aug 27, 2019 21:45:10 GMT
I've considered getting one of these. I know where I can get one for $125 but considering the age I'm not sure if that's a good deal. I'm glad to hear that you are enjoying yours so far.
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Jerry B
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Marietta, Georgia USA
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Post by Jerry B on Aug 27, 2019 22:17:28 GMT
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Will
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Posts: 84
What I collect: Venezuela: ESCUELAS 1871-1880, Locals up to 1903. Cinderellas and BOB | Colombia: Up to 1940. States!
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Post by Will on Aug 27, 2019 22:55:07 GMT
I know where I can get one for $125 but considering the age I'm not sure if that's a good deal. Mine is used. The seller posted it on eBay on $120+18 for shipping. I offered 80+18 and ended up getting it. Jerry B why something like this won't work? www.waveformlighting.com/home-residential/how-to-connect-an-led-strip-to-a-power-supplyLed strips are not individual LEDs. They have some of the dirty work hidden from us, mere mortals. That might be why you saw it more complicated, maybe? |
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angore
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What I collect: WW, focus on British Empire
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Post by angore on Aug 27, 2019 23:03:58 GMT
I tried using color filters in software using images and did not have much luck with watermarks but it was good about gum disturbances.
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khj
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Posts: 1,524
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Post by khj on Aug 27, 2019 23:48:23 GMT
The color filters might be useful for detecting the tough watermarks on stamps printed in yellow/orange ink? Just to clarify, I believe Jerry B is referring to filtering the light source, rather than the image. |
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mikeclevenger
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Posts: 887
What I collect: Ohio Tax Stamps, Ohio & Georgia Revenues, US Revenues, US FDC's, & Germany Classics
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Post by mikeclevenger on Aug 28, 2019 9:13:32 GMT
You can use any of the flexible LED strip on the market today. You can buy the ones that change color for a few dollars more. All of the LED light strips can be cut apart into somewhere between 3-6" intervals. LED's actually work on 3-5 volts, so it isn't too hard to get them to work on the batteries in the Signascope. The Signascope uses 7 volts, so you will have to wire it in at 3 batteries, not 5, this is easy to do. I already have the light strips here to convert both of my Signascopes, T1 & T2, to pure LED only, just to save on the batteries. But I also have the power supply that goes to the light strip if needed. The power supplies that you order for the LED light strips, can be used with an entire strip, or any small section you cut out alone. It doesn't make a difference. I just haven't had the time to modify mine yet. I think the biggest problem is getting the light source to light up the end of the plexiglass, just like a light bulb does. It seems that is the key to being able to see a watermark with it. I have had no real trouble seeing any watermarks on any color of paper yet, but I may not have come across one that matters either. With doing state revenues, I get every color combination possible, but not from different countries. If anyone has any questions on how to wire these up, just ask me, wither here or in a PM, I will be glad to help. I wire airplanes for a living, so LED's are simple. LOL. I actually never thought about trying the colored LED's, but I have some, so maybe I will try them.
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mikeclevenger
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Posts: 887
What I collect: Ohio Tax Stamps, Ohio & Georgia Revenues, US Revenues, US FDC's, & Germany Classics
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Post by mikeclevenger on Aug 28, 2019 9:15:07 GMT
I've considered getting one of these. I know where I can get one for $125 but considering the age I'm not sure if that's a good deal. I'm glad to hear that you are enjoying yours so far. That is a good deal on one. Don't worry about the age, both of mine are older, and still work great. if you can afford one, they are well worth having! |
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Jerry B
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Marietta, Georgia USA
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Post by Jerry B on Aug 28, 2019 10:21:54 GMT
Hi
Stand corrected about LED strips. I worked with single LEDs.
khj: You are correct. I believe that filtering the light source is the key. Selected light wavelengths have to be removed (filtered) to get the desired effect. I believe that illuminating the stamp with colored light won't work as the undesirable light wavelengths are not removed.
Jerry B
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Will
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Posts: 84
What I collect: Venezuela: ESCUELAS 1871-1880, Locals up to 1903. Cinderellas and BOB | Colombia: Up to 1940. States!
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Post by Will on Aug 28, 2019 14:55:08 GMT
You can use any of the flexible LED strip on the market today. [...] All of the LED light strips can be cut apart into somewhere between 3-6" intervals. [...] But I also have the power supply that goes to the light strip if needed. [...] I think the biggest problem is getting the light source to light up the end of the plexiglass, just like a light bulb does. This was exactly what I was thinking. Sounds super simple and doable even for me. Even if only to replace the current incandescent bulb for a led would be a win. You have a good point about the need of a good alignment light source <-> plexiglass... but given that the led strips is, well, a strip, I think that shouldn't be hard either. I'd love to reuse the current buttons though (I can live with the remote to change the color.) I don't have the signoscope with me at the moment to make a more informed comment about this... Will take a look later today. |
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jpotx113
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Posts: 460
What I collect: USA, Germany, Croatia, Slovenia, Machins, misc. WW
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Post by jpotx113 on Sept 5, 2019 1:15:40 GMT
Will (or anyone else),
Is the pull out portion of the Signoscope difficult to remove? Mine arrived today and getting this part to come out is a bit tricky.
Any hints?
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Will
Member
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Posts: 84
What I collect: Venezuela: ESCUELAS 1871-1880, Locals up to 1903. Cinderellas and BOB | Colombia: Up to 1940. States!
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Post by Will on Sept 5, 2019 1:19:18 GMT
jpotx113 If you mean the flexi-glass holder, no, not at all... except when the lever is locking it up, of course! And neither the battery compartment. I actually think mine's a bit loose to my taste.
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jpotx113
Member
Posts: 460
What I collect: USA, Germany, Croatia, Slovenia, Machins, misc. WW
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Post by jpotx113 on Sept 5, 2019 1:28:49 GMT
Yes, the holder. I assume you just pull it straight out. I don't want to force it open and possibly damage something.
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Will
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Posts: 84
What I collect: Venezuela: ESCUELAS 1871-1880, Locals up to 1903. Cinderellas and BOB | Colombia: Up to 1940. States!
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Post by Will on Sept 5, 2019 1:30:37 GMT
That's correct. I just pull it out and the stamp holder gets out nicely, no trick involved.
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jpotx113
Member
Posts: 460
What I collect: USA, Germany, Croatia, Slovenia, Machins, misc. WW
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Post by jpotx113 on Sept 5, 2019 1:33:58 GMT
Thanks. Mine must be stuck.
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mikeclevenger
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Posts: 887
What I collect: Ohio Tax Stamps, Ohio & Georgia Revenues, US Revenues, US FDC's, & Germany Classics
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Post by mikeclevenger on Sept 11, 2019 2:07:32 GMT
Thanks. Mine must be stuck. You have to use the handle and loosen it first. Push the handle inward and turn clockwise, then pull handle outward and spin it back counterclockwise, push in, etc. |
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mikeclevenger
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Posts: 887
What I collect: Ohio Tax Stamps, Ohio & Georgia Revenues, US Revenues, US FDC's, & Germany Classics
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Post by mikeclevenger on Sept 11, 2019 2:14:44 GMT
Well, I have mocked up a Signascope with an LED light. In fact, I have a White LED, a Red LED, and a UV LED. I am using the original switch and dimmer, along with the battery pack. I have dismantled a small flashlight that uses 3.7 volts and I am using 4.5 volts to operate it. I don't know what stamps y'all were talking about trying to see the watermark on, using a red light, someone please tell me and I will see if I have any. If you have any certain type stamp I can check to see what they look like under the three lights, let me know.
I have shown several types of stamps under all three lights and also under white light but dimmer. They all look about 10 times better than the camera shows. The UV is actually really good. The only thing I don't like right now, is that I can't dim the white light enough, I need it dimmer some times. Also, if you try to dim the red light, it just goes out. The way the flashlight switched between colors is to just turn it off and on, and each time you do this, it changes color, so that is how I have it hooked up right now. I am just trying to make it easy for a normal to person to upgrade. Once I get it figured out, making it work like it should, I will give out the info for anyone to do easily.
   
Here is what us electrical types like to do before we actually completely rewire something. LOL. This only took about an hour to have this fully operational. The battery pack is for 7.5 volts, so I used a pair of tongs to bypass two of the batteries, to make it 4.5 volts, so I don't burn out the LED's. Stamp tongs are good for more than just picking up stamps. This is one of my best ideas for using stamp tongs for other than stamps. Come on, you have to give me credit for this one! LOL. It was actually the closest thing to me at the time, so it made it the best choice.
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Will
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What I collect: Venezuela: ESCUELAS 1871-1880, Locals up to 1903. Cinderellas and BOB | Colombia: Up to 1940. States!
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Post by Will on Sept 11, 2019 2:40:12 GMT
This is exactly the kind of results I was expecting! Thanks! Glad to know it is possible.
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mikeclevenger
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What I collect: Ohio Tax Stamps, Ohio & Georgia Revenues, US Revenues, US FDC's, & Germany Classics
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Post by mikeclevenger on Sept 11, 2019 9:06:24 GMT
I tried different color filters when using it in the store. It really did not help a whole lot. Also, I believe LED strips will not help. What is needed is a filter for the Signoscope light source. I am not sure if that will work either. Jerry B Hey Jerry, what stamp is there in red, orange, or whatever, that is hard to see the watermark with regular light? I want to test the red and UV if I have any of the stamps you are referring to in one of your posts. Thanks, Mike. |
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Jerry B
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Post by Jerry B on Sept 11, 2019 10:05:26 GMT
Hi Mike
I was referring to some of the Mexico sets and a few Australia. In Mexico the light blue and in Australia province some of the light yellow.
Jerry B
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jpotx113
Member
Posts: 460
What I collect: USA, Germany, Croatia, Slovenia, Machins, misc. WW
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Post by jpotx113 on Sept 11, 2019 15:25:34 GMT
Thanks. Mine must be stuck. You have to use the handle and loosen it first. Push the handle inward and turn clockwise, then pull handle outward and spin it back counterclockwise, push in, etc. I tried that. After putting some extreme pressure on the glass block I was able to push it out. I found what appeared to be some kind of residue on the edges of the glass, so I'm guessing that caused it to seize up. It's working fine now. |
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philatelia
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Captain Jack - my best kiloware find ever!
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What I collect: Ireland, Japan, Scandy, USA, Venezuela, Vatican, Bermuda, Austria
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Post by philatelia on Sept 11, 2019 15:54:05 GMT
I’ve been considering buying one of these for many years and this thread convinced me. I have all these chemical allergies, so finding a way to watermark without chemicals would be massively better!
Just curious, has anyone had any problems seeing watermarks on certain issues even with the signoscope?
Also, which one is better? T1 or T2 ?
Thanks for the help
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Jerry B
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Post by Jerry B on Sept 11, 2019 19:13:09 GMT
Hi philatelia
See my previous post to Mike. It is a great tool but there are some watermarks that just refuse to be visible no matter what method is used.
Any time I used a Signoscope it was a model T1. A friend had a T2 and he had no complaints.
Jerry B
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Jerry B
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Post by Jerry B on Sept 11, 2019 22:36:36 GMT
Hi Mike
Would an RGB LED help at all, especially getting colored light. I may be "hard nosed" but I really don't see a whole lot of difference using colored light.
Jerry B
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mikeclevenger
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What I collect: Ohio Tax Stamps, Ohio & Georgia Revenues, US Revenues, US FDC's, & Germany Classics
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Post by mikeclevenger on Sept 13, 2019 10:36:14 GMT
Hi Mike Would an RGB LED help at all, especially getting colored light. I may be "hard nosed" but I really don't see a whole lot of difference using colored light. Jerry B Hey Jerry, I really don't know what help any colored light will be. I just did mine this week as the first experiment. The next will be an RGB, but I don't have one yet. I am looking for one that will easily install like the one I just did. Can you tell me some stamps that are hard to see? People were talking about red or pinks tamps, but I need to know exactly what stamps they are talking about.
Mike.
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mikeclevenger
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What I collect: Ohio Tax Stamps, Ohio & Georgia Revenues, US Revenues, US FDC's, & Germany Classics
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Post by mikeclevenger on Sept 13, 2019 10:39:29 GMT
Just curious, has anyone had any problems seeing watermarks on certain issues even with the signoscope? Also, which one is better? T1 or T2 ? Thanks for the help Hey, If you are buying one, buy the T1. I own both of them, and the T1 works better. The T2 is good for easily seen watermarks, but you can't get it tight enough to really see the hard ones. I use the T2 for quickly doing normal watermarks, but when I can't see the watermark with the T2, then I use the T1, and can usually see it. There are still some watermarks you can't see now and then, but I am working on that solution right now too.
Enjoy!
Mike.
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cjoprey
Member
Scanning stamps for my website...
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What I collect: Belgium (predominantly), British Commonwealth (older ones), WW (whatever comes my way...)
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Post by cjoprey on Sept 13, 2019 11:49:20 GMT
I've just ordered a Stanley Gibbons Detectamark which has the multiple colours - hoping it will work well. Will report back once I have it!
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Jerry B
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Post by Jerry B on Sept 13, 2019 14:17:15 GMT
Hi Just reading about the Stanley Gibbons Detectamark. They say they have multiple color settings and adjustable light source. Be interesting to see if it is similar to what Mike put together and if detection is any better. Mike: Just dug out a Scott catalog. In particular check out: Mexico, Scott 863, 50c blue. Personally I still think colored light is not the answer, but some type of light filter is. But, let's see what Gibbons has and wait for cjoprey's report on the results. TI (Texas Instrument) web site has RGB Leds and controllers for it. Boy these things are cheap, in my day they would have cost in the hundreds. Transistors were $5 to $100 for a power transistor, not even mil spec. By the way, Your pictures of your electronics gave me a warm feeling. When I worked in aerospace a lot of stuff looked like that. When one sees the 3 dimensional mess on a workbench, one has to wonder how we got to the moon  Jerry B |
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