Cheap cam. from Amazon 5 to 8 bucks . and you are good to go.. Tommy McHi Everyone-- I want to hook a cam up to a laptop to view an enlarged image of a beam scale pointer. I know people here have done this. What should I get? Thanks Hoz
Well the idea is to be able to see an enlarged view so you can more accurately see where the pointer is. It does work especially for people who's vision isn't perfect.(me for one). Lots of reloaders don't need this level of accuracy but some do.I don't get it.. Why? I can see my scale marks just fine
Thanks BigM. I'll look for one. I guess I need to look for an inspection cam versus web cam.Cheap cam. from Amazon 5 to 8 bucks . and you are good to go.. Tommy Mc
Well the idea is to be able to see an enlarged view so you can more accurately see where the pointer is. It does work especially for people who's vision isn't perfect.(me for one). Lots of reloaders don't need this level of accuracy but some do.
Hi Zilla Well I am 59, I see my scale markings well, and I'm no competive shooter either. I just want to have the capability to get the most accuracy and consistency out of my beam scale. I think this will help me do that.-- of coarse others mileage may vary.Hmm.. Maybe a top level competition shooter may need this. But I am under the impression that we use ladder testing etc to find the middle of the node.. So if you are off a smidgen in the powder weight you will still be in the node.. I do believe that I have read a few posts on this forum in that regard.. I am here to expand my knowledge and learn from those who are in the know..
Yes I weigh every load and remove or trickle a bit to get it right on.. I am not a competition shooter, but do like accurate and repeatative ammunition..
FWIW I did try using my phone today but I can see the marks just fine.. The enlargement doesn't seem to be an advantage to me. I am 68 and maybe one day it'll all make sense.. Thanx for replying .
Hi Boyd. I have my scale set at eye level so I dont think I need the prism. I have been wondering if it needs tuned and so I did the test. I just wonder how much better it would be after tuning and if it would be worth the $. I guess I'll have to try to find out. Thanks for your help. HozThe point of the prism is that is allows you to have a good view of the pointer and scale with the scale on the bench, or desk. It bends your line of sight. I find that for most, less than super critical loading that it is all that I need, even though I have two web cams that work. If you can see response from a single grain of Varget, perhaps your scale is good to go as it is.
IMHO,
If you add a needle pointer to the beam pointer end,
(the info on how to do this, is on the site somewhere, can't find right now),
you can define your grain amounts even better,
as compared against the thickness of the lines/beam pointer.
I would believe that with a camera and needle pointer,
your accuracy would greatly improve etc.
I checked some loads from before and after adding the needle pointer,
and the results were surprising, even thou I trickle every load shot.
Tia,
Don
First step, tune the scale, or have it tuned. It makes a big difference, night and day. Second step, get one of these, http://www.midwayusa.com/product/117653/dandy-products-handy-view-beam-scale-prism
or do this.I have a couple of inexpensive manual focus webcams that work just fine. The least expensive of these would probably be just fine. Just make sure that it focuses close enough. For this application, a manual focus would be preferable.
https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_2?url=search-alias=aps&field-keywords=cheap+web+cam&tag=accuratescom-20
I thought about using the magnifying glass but want more magnificationIf you touch the pan so it starts moving several times will it return to the same place on the pointer? Does bearing friction and the magnetic dampener alter the stop location?