Fellow Listers
There is now a method of reading fiches using two sheets of glass, a rule
and a microscope costing less than £17 (GBP).
Clean the glass sheets (approx 5" x 7" x 1/8" ex-photo frames) and tape
two
edges together to form a hinge so that the fiche (approx 6" x 4") may be
inserted. Now you should have a one page book to read.
The rule is placed on the upper glass sheet to form a guide for the
microscope to slide along.
Now doctor the microscope! Just pull off the stand, leaving the microscope
and transparent shield in place. No, you do not need to buy the batteries.
The main ingredient is a microscope with 60x, 80x and 100x magnification.
Please contact me privately if you would like more information about
obtaining a suitable inexpensive microscope.
Support the glass book horizontally about 1" above a lighted white surface.
Stand the microscope on the glass surface and look through the eyepiece
adjust the focus and ? (yes I know its never up the right way). Success, you
can read it! Place the rule in position and slide along to read the whole
line.
I am suggesting this system for occasional use not as a replacement for a
proper reader. I understand similar microscopes are available in Canada and
USA and I guess elsewhere.
Ken
Sorry if you receive this more than once.