Hi Loren,

Can't help with the terminology, I'm an electronics guy, *but* I will
pass on my 2 cents worth about buying a microscope. Don't just buy one
out of a catalogue, or in any other way sight-unseen. Before you lay
down your hard-earned, use it for a while - 5 mins, 10, 15. Take
something typical with you to examine. Some microscopes are an absolute
bitch to use, others are (relatively) shear bliss. We have a couple of
stereo units in the lab, one sits on the shelf gathering dust (for
several years now), and the Olympus is in continual use. I can't
remember the make of the unused one, it's a well-known quality brand,
but terrible to use. I contemplated bringing it home to use in my shop,
tried convincing myself that for no cost I could put up with a bit of
pain and agro, so I took it down off the shelf, dusted it off, and tried
using it with a positive mental attitude. It's back sitting om the
shelf, and I'm still scanning the auction lists for an Olympus.


Roger



Loren A. Coe wrote:

yes, i have been googling, and still do not know
what the difference is between these two terms. my
guess is that "coaxial" could simply mean, "two knobs",
one on each side.

also, wrt to course/fine, does this require two seperate
"tracks"? i am guessing two knobs/gears engaging two
linear "gears", but the linear components can be integral.

i am just getting introduced, thinking of sinking some $$
into a decent used or new compound biological or industrial
unit. also, any recommendations or recent experiences
would be very welcome. thanks! --Loren