[Elecraft] Swing Arm Magnifiers -OT

[Gary Thurmond]

I have used several "Swing Arm Magnifier" for about thirty years.
Like them very much. Built several Downeast Microwave SMT projects and 
my KX1. Can't solder without it.
The mechanical sturdiness of some is less than desired. I found that the 
use of a little Kentucky Windage puts it right on the spot when swinging 
it back to the work position.
You get use to this and soon it becomes as automatic as using any other 
hand tool.
I like the previous suggestion of using a Day Light bulb to help read 
the new funny colors on resistors.

My second use of the Illuminated Magnifier is for taking close up 
documentation photos of  PC boards and other small objects that need 
oblique uniform illumination.
Just put the automatic digital camera (flash off) to the center of the 
magnifier, frame the object in the LCD viewer and shoot the picture.
Almost always the lighting is perfect and no strong reflection of light 
from the flat metal surfaces.

73,  Gary  W6STR