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A friend of mine bought an Intel QX3 USB microscope last year when they were discontinued and he loves it. They sell these on eBay, but I think the included software is Windows-only (figures). This software is very cool, too.

Does anyone know whether this microscope works on OSX? If so, to what degree? Has anyone produced third-party software to control it?

Are there any other USB microscopes that work with OSX for under $100? This is to explore some basic science with my kids, I don't need this for research or anything. I would want something up to at least 100x magnification (the Intel went up to 200x, I believe).

[bmhome1]

Your friend will be GREEN with envy! There's an incredible freeware specifically for the QX3 called MiXscope 1.3, it makes the Windows interface the joke that it is.

MiXscope is full-featured,with a beautiful GUI and even individually controls the lights and makes amazing quality stills and QickTime time-lapse clips.

Be sure to try some bright additional side lighting, that Intel chip works MUCH better with high-intensity light levels. And MiXscope has very sophisticated image settings control options to really make impressive micro images with a sub-$50 microscope. Makes one proud to be a Mac owner with the efforts of the author who has regularly added more features.

[Rev-O]

I've been SOOOOOOOO tempted to buy a Proscope ever since I picked up my iBook. They look awesome. Speny by the time you get all the desireables with it, but awesome.

Anyone have any insight on these?

[bmhome1]

I have a QX3 and lusted for a Proscope too. It comes down to how much one ends up really using the equipment. Professionally, certainly the Proscope, although there are several research facilities that actually used the QX3 for some uses! I had the links in Explorer long-ago, but Googling QX3 brings up some interesting information. I can enthusiastically recommend the QX3 for the curious and particularly for young scientists.

It can make very impressive (especially in mid-range magnification) micro photos, far better than a $50 toy should. Actually that was the marketing blunder Intel made with the QX3, they targeting way too young with the appearance, packaging and Windows software. It really would satisfy teenagers if they can get past the goofy looks and silly software.

They intended to own the educational market with QX3 predecessors, they invested a lot but terminated everything when sales stayed flat. Its too bad, because with current CMOS chips the results could have been amazing. The basic scope design was very designed.

I have my first tests with the QX3 (6 stills and 1 timelapse) posted here to download (4.5MB):

http://homepage.mac.com/brucemillerphoto

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Originally posted by bmhome1:
Your friend will be GREEN with envy! There's an incredible freeware specifically for the QX3 called MiXscope 1.3, it makes the Windows interface the joke that it is.

Sweet!! I got it! Now I just need to find one on eBay (and there are plenty).