Microscope advice needed

**slick4591**[$] · #1 01-13-2002, 07:14 PM

Before you start laughing your heads off I want you to know I'm serious about this. I'm wanting a microscope so I can check semen for swimmers. No, not mine silly. I need it for the semen I buy a breeding time. Problem is that I don't know anything about microscopes. What power, brand, price, etc. advice do you have?

I'm currently looking at a Tasco that's on eBay. It's adjustable to 75x, 300x and 750x with some slides and extras. The bid on it is 7.50 with about an hour to go.

**pluckyduck** · #2 01-13-2002, 07:39 PM

LOL!

No advice, I'm just laughing at the crazy people around these parts.

I'm sure we have a science geek or two here who can help you out.

Andrea
who could use some microscope buying advice for her youngest son, while the geeks are at it

hypotenuse · #3 01-13-2002, 07:56 PM

Most important decision making factor in buying a microscope....

Make sure it plugs into an outlet!

Ok, you can laugh, but it's the truth.

If you buy a mirrored style one, you spend most of your time making sure that the over head light is at 2 o'clock and your head isn't creating a shadow when trying to view your slide.

So my advice is to spend the extra bucks. Buy one with a plug.

Lynne

**slick4591**[$] · #4 01-13-2002, 08:10 PM

Thanks, Lynne. I've seen a few that needed batteries to operate a light. I'm taking it you are saying to make sure it has a light, or does the whole thing need to be plugged in order to work?

**taurusmoon** · #5 01-13-2002, 09:25 PM

Swimmers in semen?

So that's why Mark Spitz.

Sara
Leavin' while the leavin's good

quasar · #6 01-13-2002, 09:46 PM

OMG that is sooooooo bad...

Janice

who could give you gobs of advice about telescopes but hasn't used a microscope in about 12 years

hypotenuse · #7 01-13-2002, 09:50 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by slick4591
Thanks, Lynne. I've seen a few that needed batteries to operate a light. I'm taking it you are saying to make sure it has a light, or does the whole thing need to be plugged in order to work?

I was focusing on the lighting. Yes, make sure it has a light! And not redirected light, as that is your overhead on the ceiling.

I can't recall off hand what magnification you need in order to see individual sperm, but I'd bet you could find it on google. I would run that query and make sure any microscope you purchased included that in the middle of the magnification limits.

Lynne

**thinkerlady**[$] · #8 01-14-2002, 12:50 AM

The ones with 2 eye pieces (lenses) make it easier to see for those who might be aging and have some sight difficulties.

If you are buying used, make sure the adjustments work. Some of them are very sensitive, and if the microscope hasn't been respected, they are first to go.

I don't know power either, but be sure to have 3 graduations.

**slick4591**[$] · #9 01-15-2002, 10:15 PM

Quote:

I can't recall off hand what magnification you need in order to see individual sperm, but I'd bet you could find it on google. I would run that query and make sure any microscope you purchased included that in the middle of the magnification limits.

Did that with no success. Kept gettin' a site that wanted to cut where I don't wanna get cut.

I did learn that Angie's suggestion of the two eye pieces is called stereo. I guess I'll just have to go with a big 'un.

Thanks for trying.

sylvanb · #10 01-15-2002, 11:51 PM

Aside from looking at semen, a binocular (stereo) scope is a wonderful toy. A friend gave me an old retired one when I was in my tide-pool collecting phase, and it was amazing to see what lives in a few tablespoons of seawater and a bit of seaweed. We look at all sorts of things, just for fun. Also use it for removing splinters.

mtbat · #11 01-16-2002, 12:21 AM

Hey Slick-did you look here?

http://www.microscopesrus.com/

Fridai

I was looking around in the stockshow information thinking there might just be something but I haven't found anything else so far.

**slick4591**[$] · #12 01-16-2002, 09:53 PM

Thanks, ladies, but I'm still

over the power thing. I found a science BB, but had second thoughts of asking about my subject. Too many sixth graders were posting questions.

sleeper54 · #13 01-16-2002, 10:07 PM

Swimmers indeed...

I am a medical technologist. I would recommend that you call a hospital lab or fertility clinic near you and ask what their recommendation might be. ( That answer will, of course, be after the laughter dies down...:-))

They might even let you come in and try out a scope or two that they have. They might even have an old one they have stashed in the junk equipment closet (every lab has one...) that they might let go for a reasonable price.

sleeper54

mtbat · #14 01-17-2002, 12:57 AM

Slick are there any vet schools near you? they might have the answere to your power ? . About.com has a vet section and a delphi forum-I get their newsletter-I'd suggest posting there and seeing if someone can help you.

Fridai

**slick4591**[$] · #15 01-17-2002, 10:12 AM

Great site! Tells me what I needed to know along with some other valuable information. Thanks to everyone.

sleeper54 · #16 01-20-2002, 03:14 PM

Hey Slick,

Took the "farm tour". How come only a picture of the 'pie' that had been driven through? Up here, we always seem to be stepping in them (at least us city folk who don't get out to Grandpa's place very often...). You all just must be more careful where you step...:-)

Let us know how the microscope thing works out...

sleeper54

**slick4591**[$] · #17 01-21-2002, 09:55 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by sleeper54
Hey Slick,

Took the "farm tour". How come only a picture of the 'pie' that had been driven through? Up here, we always seem to be stepping in them (at least us city folk who don't get out to Grandpa's place very often...). You all just must be more careful where you step...:-)

Let us know how the microscope thing works out...

sleeper54

We don't have many city kids that visit us.

Yep, it takes a while, but when you have to walk to the barn twice a day you learn to step carefully. I have until May to chose a microscope, so I'll poke around and be careful about my steps in that area too.