I went out to catch a couple of pill bugs / woodlice. I managed that but also captured this insect at the same time. I am 99% sure I have the identification correct by the colouring, markings and especially the U shaped marking at the rear end. Size - about 4mm long. I think it is a springtail. It certainly proved it could jump a couple of times. I am pleased with this video as I managed to film it without the lid on the container so nothing to distort the result.
Also I put the clips together using Wondershare Filmora 9. It produced a proper 1080HD result unlike iMovie which seemed to give 720 in spite of the original video resolution. Fancier titles as well!
I love the way the markings on the back of its head look like a face.
What kept it busy while I videoed? I had put a drop of Golden Syrup to interest a couple of ants earlier on. (Thanks for the hint Adrian). I had wiped most of it off but the insect found a thin smear on the bottom of the dish.
Thursday, 30 July 2020
Wednesday, 29 July 2020
First LCD Microscope Videos
I went out looking for a pill bug. Normally they are everywhere but this time they all remained hidden. Par for the course. Then I remembered the position of an ant nest so spent ages trying to persuade one to stay in the dish I had taken out. Nippy little blighters in more ways than one. In the end I managed to capture one and it was only when I had the dish under the microscope I found I had also caught a couple of other creatures.
So, we have an ant and what appears to me to be a mite. It was smaller than a red spider mite, hardly the size of a speck of dust and only just viewable with the naked eye. What the creature that reminds me of a hermit crab is I have no idea as yet. It was even smaller than the mite. The zoomed section was done in processing the video. All other parts are exactly as taken by the microscope. The only addition was using an external lamp to help with illumination.
One thing to note is the build in LEDs can reflect back in the camera lens but the microscope is designed so it can be tilted to get round this.
So, we have an ant and what appears to me to be a mite. It was smaller than a red spider mite, hardly the size of a speck of dust and only just viewable with the naked eye. What the creature that reminds me of a hermit crab is I have no idea as yet. It was even smaller than the mite. The zoomed section was done in processing the video. All other parts are exactly as taken by the microscope. The only addition was using an external lamp to help with illumination.
One thing to note is the build in LEDs can reflect back in the camera lens but the microscope is designed so it can be tilted to get round this.
Tuesday, 28 July 2020
LCD Microscope
After some thinking and research I decided to invest in one of these:
It has a built in 12M pixel camera and the ability to zoom anywhere from 1 to 1200 times.
There are LEDs round the camera lens and objects are shown on a 7 inch LCD display.
The highest magnification is not enough to see extremely small life forms such as those found in ponds but is plenty to get a close look at small everyday objects.
There is a slot for a micro SD card so still photos of up to 12M pixel resolution can be saved.
Not only that but it can save 1080 HD video. Power is provided by a 5V wall wart. If the microscope is connected to a computer USB port then the photos and videos can be transferred from the SD card.
The actual unit:
I have some clear plastic petri type dishes and am hoping to capture the occasion mini beast to put under the microscope. I went out hunting yesterday but the weather was so bad all sensible bugs were staying hidden. I did spot a small seed caught in a spider's web so grabbed that.
You can just about see it on the top edge of this dish (the nearby washer is about 18mm diameter)
A couple of untouched photos taken with the microscope
and a close view of a Chinese Lantern plant seed case
So far the only niggly thing I have found is that it doesn't remember the chosen photo resolution when the power is switched off. I have to go in the menu each time I switch it on to set the highest resolution.
Watch out ladybirds and pill bugs. I'm looking for you!
The highest magnification is not enough to see extremely small life forms such as those found in ponds but is plenty to get a close look at small everyday objects.
There is a slot for a micro SD card so still photos of up to 12M pixel resolution can be saved.
Not only that but it can save 1080 HD video. Power is provided by a 5V wall wart. If the microscope is connected to a computer USB port then the photos and videos can be transferred from the SD card.
The actual unit:
I have some clear plastic petri type dishes and am hoping to capture the occasion mini beast to put under the microscope. I went out hunting yesterday but the weather was so bad all sensible bugs were staying hidden. I did spot a small seed caught in a spider's web so grabbed that.
You can just about see it on the top edge of this dish (the nearby washer is about 18mm diameter)
A couple of untouched photos taken with the microscope
and a close view of a Chinese Lantern plant seed case
So far the only niggly thing I have found is that it doesn't remember the chosen photo resolution when the power is switched off. I have to go in the menu each time I switch it on to set the highest resolution.
Watch out ladybirds and pill bugs. I'm looking for you!
Monday, 27 July 2020
Monday Mystery
Last week's close up
proved easily recognisable as part of
a drain / manhole cover.
Well done to Adrian, the Veg Artist, the Weaver of Grass, Ellen D, Kev Scott, Dave, Ragged Robin and Rachel Phillips.
The next object
is a flower bud but on what plant?
Want to have a guess? Please leave it in the comments.
They will be revealed, along with the answer, next Monday.
proved easily recognisable as part of
a drain / manhole cover.
Well done to Adrian, the Veg Artist, the Weaver of Grass, Ellen D, Kev Scott, Dave, Ragged Robin and Rachel Phillips.
The next object
is a flower bud but on what plant?
Want to have a guess? Please leave it in the comments.
They will be revealed, along with the answer, next Monday.
Sunday, 26 July 2020
Scalloped Oak Moth
Found on my front door yesterday morning.
A macro moth, the Scalloped Oak moth. (Crocallis elinguaria)
Resting it measured near 20mm across but in flight can have a wingspan of 32 - 46mm.
Not one I would like to meet indoors.
with iPhone 6s
with Canon M5 + macro lens
Both photos were cropped.
A bit of a surprise to see it there, in full Sun on a South facing door.
Especially as it is a night flying moth.
I would have expected it to be hidden away somewhere.
A macro moth, the Scalloped Oak moth. (Crocallis elinguaria)
Resting it measured near 20mm across but in flight can have a wingspan of 32 - 46mm.
Not one I would like to meet indoors.
with iPhone 6s
with Canon M5 + macro lens
Both photos were cropped.
A bit of a surprise to see it there, in full Sun on a South facing door.
Especially as it is a night flying moth.
I would have expected it to be hidden away somewhere.
Saturday, 25 July 2020
Temperatures
As you may have gathered I am fascinated by all aspects of our weather systems.
Once the satellite map information has been decoded it is possible to see the recorded temperatures as I move the mouse over the map.
From NOAA 19 at 08.10 this morning (BST)
While the ground temperature here (where the salmon coloured cross is on the map) is about 19C the air higher up is in the region of 10C. To the south of the ROI the red / black heavy rain area shows cloud temperatures ranging from -30C to -60C. No wonder the temperature at ground level can drop so sharply in a heavy rainstorm. I assume that area is the one which is forecast to bring heavy showers to Lincolnshire later this afternoon.
Once the satellite map information has been decoded it is possible to see the recorded temperatures as I move the mouse over the map.
From NOAA 19 at 08.10 this morning (BST)
While the ground temperature here (where the salmon coloured cross is on the map) is about 19C the air higher up is in the region of 10C. To the south of the ROI the red / black heavy rain area shows cloud temperatures ranging from -30C to -60C. No wonder the temperature at ground level can drop so sharply in a heavy rainstorm. I assume that area is the one which is forecast to bring heavy showers to Lincolnshire later this afternoon.
Friday, 24 July 2020
Tomorrow's Rain?
I see the Met Office is predicting some heavy showers for tomorrow.
BBC Weather predicting possible electrical storms tomorrow afternoon for E Midlands.
Is this what is on the way? (the red area)
Captured from the 08.22 (BST) pass of NOAA 19
NOAA 18 (11.37 BST)
BBC Weather predicting possible electrical storms tomorrow afternoon for E Midlands.
Is this what is on the way? (the red area)
Captured from the 08.22 (BST) pass of NOAA 19
NOAA 18 (11.37 BST)
Thursday, 23 July 2020
Sign of the Times
Spotted where the footbridge leads to the village cricket ground.
A sign of the abnormal times we live in at the moment.
A sign of the abnormal times we live in at the moment.
Wednesday, 22 July 2020
Soon be Harvest Time
It's a while since we walked right to the end of the lane.
Good to see the field of grain ripening.
Looking at a weather satellite pass first thing it looks as though it could be a bit on the wet side 'up North'.
Good to see the field of grain ripening.
Looking at a weather satellite pass first thing it looks as though it could be a bit on the wet side 'up North'.
Monday, 20 July 2020
Monday Mystery
Varied results for last week's mystery photo
which was correctly identified as
bathroom scales (with bmi sensors) by
The Veg Artist, Ragged Robin and Kev Scott. Well done.
Thanks to all who had a go.
For this week here is part of
what?
If you would like to make a guess please leave it in the comments.
They will be revealed, along with the answer, next Monday.
which was correctly identified as
bathroom scales (with bmi sensors) by
The Veg Artist, Ragged Robin and Kev Scott. Well done.
Thanks to all who had a go.
For this week here is part of
what?
If you would like to make a guess please leave it in the comments.
They will be revealed, along with the answer, next Monday.
Saturday, 18 July 2020
Drying Off and Warming Up
I was correct yesterday. In spite of a partially cloudy sky there was plenty of Sunshine and the temperature climbed up to a high of 25.8C
After tea and our final walkies I noticed some of the plants in hanging baskets and planters were starting to wilt. I dragged the hose out and set about giving them a good long soak in the hopes it would last a few days before they needed watering again.
There were still lots of bumble bees around the lavender plants . I noticed one on the surface of an empty planter. At first I thought it was digging a nest hole as there were other small holes in the surface of the soil.
It was only after watching and filming it with the iPhone for several minutes I worked out it was trying to dry the hairs on its body. It must have got in the way while I was watering nearby. Anyway it eventually had a little shiver to warm up its flight muscles and flew back to the nearby lavender bush.
After tea and our final walkies I noticed some of the plants in hanging baskets and planters were starting to wilt. I dragged the hose out and set about giving them a good long soak in the hopes it would last a few days before they needed watering again.
There were still lots of bumble bees around the lavender plants . I noticed one on the surface of an empty planter. At first I thought it was digging a nest hole as there were other small holes in the surface of the soil.
It was only after watching and filming it with the iPhone for several minutes I worked out it was trying to dry the hairs on its body. It must have got in the way while I was watering nearby. Anyway it eventually had a little shiver to warm up its flight muscles and flew back to the nearby lavender bush.
Friday, 17 July 2020
Going to be a Hot Day
Well, here anyway
Lovely sunny start to the day. Nearly 10 a.m. and the temperature rapidly approaching 22C
Lovely sunny start to the day. Nearly 10 a.m. and the temperature rapidly approaching 22C
Thursday, 16 July 2020
Tuesday, 14 July 2020
Weather Satellites
There are many satellites keeping an eye on the weather systems around the world. There are three NOAA satellites I can receive the picture information from. These are polar orbiting satellites circling the Earth N to S or S to N depending which orbit they are on. Also they move a bit from E to W on each orbit so the whole world can be covered. Each polar orbit takes about 1hr 40min.
From this mornings passes of NOAA 19 near the UK.
First pass to the East of us:
the next pass to the West of us
It takes approximately 12 minutes for each picture to be received as they are built up in horizontal lines as the satellite moves round the globe. The yellow cross marks the position of my ground station which is receiving the pictures.
If you are interested in receiving these weather pictures yourself then have a read through 'DIY Satellite Ground Station' HERE for information on how to get started on Windows or MacOS computers.
From this mornings passes of NOAA 19 near the UK.
First pass to the East of us:
the next pass to the West of us
It takes approximately 12 minutes for each picture to be received as they are built up in horizontal lines as the satellite moves round the globe. The yellow cross marks the position of my ground station which is receiving the pictures.
If you are interested in receiving these weather pictures yourself then have a read through 'DIY Satellite Ground Station' HERE for information on how to get started on Windows or MacOS computers.
Monday, 13 July 2020
Monday Mystery
Last weeks close up
was correctly identified as part of
a chimney pot.
Well done to the Veg Artist, Thelma, Adrian, Dave, Ragged Robin and Ellen D.
I had that top vent installed some years ago after a Starling fell down and got trapped behind my gas fire.
Indoors this time for the new close shot
of what?
Please leave any guesses in the comments.
They will be revealed, along with the answer, next Monday.
was correctly identified as part of
a chimney pot.
Well done to the Veg Artist, Thelma, Adrian, Dave, Ragged Robin and Ellen D.
I had that top vent installed some years ago after a Starling fell down and got trapped behind my gas fire.
Indoors this time for the new close shot
of what?
Please leave any guesses in the comments.
They will be revealed, along with the answer, next Monday.
Sunday, 12 July 2020
Receiving Weather Satellite Pictures
Many years ago I built a kit receiver for capturing the pictures from polar orbiting weather satellites. Unfortunately it is no longer supported and can't receive the signals from the latest satellites. A few days ago I spotted an article written by two young lady amateur radio enthusiasts detailing how to use an SDR (software defined radio) to do the job. It can be found HERE.
This is the SDR
a receiver in a USB dongle which is controlled and tuned by software on a computer. The above mentioned article gives very clear, detailed instructions how to set things up on a Windows or Mac computer. I downloaded and installed everything needed for my MacBook.
The other thing required of course is an aerial. Several types are discussed in the article.
Fortunately I still had the aerial I built years ago.
This is the most complicated type to build and gives excellent reception.
There are three programs running on the computer.
One to control the SDR and tune it to the satellite signal.
One to decode the signal and build up the pictures.
The third is a hidden program used to channel the sound from the receiver to the map processor.
Received pictures look like this
in fact two pictures side by side, one normal light and the other IR.
Once they have been received the software processes them together, adds false colour and country outlines to produce different combinations:
Those are pictures I received this morning.
This has been a quick outline of what I did. If you fancy having a go do look at the article mention at the start of this post.
This is the SDR
a receiver in a USB dongle which is controlled and tuned by software on a computer. The above mentioned article gives very clear, detailed instructions how to set things up on a Windows or Mac computer. I downloaded and installed everything needed for my MacBook.
The other thing required of course is an aerial. Several types are discussed in the article.
Fortunately I still had the aerial I built years ago.
This is the most complicated type to build and gives excellent reception.
There are three programs running on the computer.
One to control the SDR and tune it to the satellite signal.
One to decode the signal and build up the pictures.
The third is a hidden program used to channel the sound from the receiver to the map processor.
Received pictures look like this
in fact two pictures side by side, one normal light and the other IR.
Once they have been received the software processes them together, adds false colour and country outlines to produce different combinations:
Those are pictures I received this morning.
This has been a quick outline of what I did. If you fancy having a go do look at the article mention at the start of this post.
Tuesday, 7 July 2020
Bumble Bees Love Lavender
My two lavender bushes are host to dozens of bumble bees at the moment
They are also starting to attract small tortoiseshell butterflies.
They are also starting to attract small tortoiseshell butterflies.
Monday, 6 July 2020
Monday Mystery
Last week's close view
didn't cause any problems.
Congratulations to Adrian, the Veg Artist, the Weaver of Grass, Kev, Ellen, Kris, Bettina and Dave who all saw it was
the hands on a clock face. Adrian and Kev also noticed the symbol for radio control.
This may be a little harder
a close view of ..... what?
As always, please leave any guesses in the comments.
They will be revealed, along with the answer, next Monday.
didn't cause any problems.
Congratulations to Adrian, the Veg Artist, the Weaver of Grass, Kev, Ellen, Kris, Bettina and Dave who all saw it was
the hands on a clock face. Adrian and Kev also noticed the symbol for radio control.
This may be a little harder
a close view of ..... what?
As always, please leave any guesses in the comments.
They will be revealed, along with the answer, next Monday.
Thursday, 2 July 2020
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