Discussion - Member to Member Sales - Research Center
Discussion - Member to Member Sales - Research Center
I've only used this for about 5 minutes so hasn't been fully tested. But my first impression is very good. The quality of the light is impressively natural.
While I was looking at the lamp I also noticed one of these OTTLite LED Light Box and Task Lamp Stations:
I gave it a little road test in-store with a £10 note. Wow! the variable backlighting is really good, showing the watermark with incredible clarity. Which made me wonder whether this might be suited to viewing certain stamp watermarks. Of course there are other uses such as tracing etc.
Has anyone got one of these, or used one extensively?
My next question is relates to price. While trying to find images of these lamps on the OTTLite website, I was puzzled about the prices. The lamp I bought was about £14, whereas their price is $60. The in-store price of the Light Box was around £50; the website price is $140.
Am I right to assume then, that these lamps can be bought considerably cheaper from other US or Canadian outlets?
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The desk organizer is available from Amazon for USD29.99.
They did not have the LED light box/task light station.
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Thank you Dollhouse. I forgot to look on Amazon UK, which I now have. It just shows how we in the UK get our backsides spanked by US imports. It's listed at £105. In their dreams!
EDIT:
I meant the Light Box is listed at £105.
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10:56:23pm
I'm not able to find this on amazon.ca
I found this: Huion L4S Light Box 17.7 Inch Diagonal LED Artcraft Adjustable Lightness Tracing Light Pad with USB Cable
Is it similar to the work station you mentioned?
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Kelly,
I've just had a look at that Huion light box. It does indeed have the same light characteristics as the OTT-Lite workstation. In addition I had a look at a Litup LED Light Pad LP3-USB
From what I have found the Huion range consists of A2, A3 and A4 sizes. These are primarily aimed at artists and animators, who use tracing and graphite transfer papers for copying artwork.
Both the Huion and Litup are very thin (and light) devices which may be a big advantage to some.
I watched two videos of these in operation and in the Litup one, the demonstrator used the supplied USB cable to take its power from a PC/Laptop. It also came with a US two pin plug adaptor (but this was vague as to how it connected).
In the other video, the Huion was supplied with a power cord. So, the type of power supply preferred should be considered before choosing a particular model.
Both the Huion and Litup are so simple in operation. A power on/off button also acts as a 'variable light' control: hold finger on button and the light intensity reduces/increases. One of the demonstrations showed that the light was powerful enough to penetrate 300lb artist paper, which is more like card in thickness.
One shortcoming of the HUION and Litup devices is that they do not come with any rear legs to angle the device. So one would have to prop the light box (tablet is more accurate) on books or a bean bag, whereas The OTT-Lite workstation has a tilting 'table'.
The OTT-Lite workstation is much chunkier and is better described as a 'box'. Although it does have storage compartments, this is to my mind an unnecessary feature.
Having seen the OTT-Lite workstation and the Huion and Litup videos, I think these 'tablet' types may be better options. The only negative being the lack of a tilt mechanism.
Finally, a point about the capability of showing stamp watermarks. This remains an 'unknown' at the moment. However, I have tried to view a watermark on a coloured paper stamp using my OTT-Lite desk organiser lamp. This lamp has a very flexible neck, which I was able to adjust so the lamp was facing upwards. I then placed the stamp on the lamp shroud (note these are very cool running LED devices, so there is no danger of heat damage) and the watermark stood out really well.
When I get the opportunity, I'll set my camera up and try to photograph what I have just described.
As to the videos to which I referred, these can be viewed via this link: Litup then Huion videos
The first video is for the Litup and if you let it run to end, the following video is the Huion.
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Kelly & Clive ....
Yes, I have found the A4 size LED light pad for as little as $30. The Huion light pads have an illumination of 1200 to 1500 LUX. The $30 one that I found has an illumination of 4500 LUX, and would therefore be much more penetrating. Of course the brightness is continuously adjustable, but you have that little extra in case you need it.
There are also tilt stands available for $10-$15.
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Thanks Terry, especially for finding the stand. I was looking over here in the UK and was surprised how relatively inexpensive these are. However, what you pay in dollars, we pay in pounds plus a bit more. The cheapest I found was £32.99 on Amazon UK.
It would be nice to think that such a device would be of benefit, to Kelly in particular. Having spoken to my son, it would also serve him well for his school graphics study, as they rely on those big chunky, immovable metal light boxes. I might then just bite the bullet and get one. I can then road test it.
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07:45:20pm
Where do I find these? Do you guys have any links? I'll try to view the videos this weekend. Thanks for the input. 
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I've found this one on the US Amazon site: Huion L4S Portable USB at $39.99.
If you look down the page, there are 3 little selection boxes, which allow you to toggle between different models, one of which is the more powerful and more expensive Huion A4 ($59.99). This seems to be the one that Terry mentioned, which he has seen for $30, which seems extraordinarily cheap. So maybe he can point you in the right direction.
The other model is the Huion LB4, which I think is a heavier Lithium ion battery operated device.
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I found a variety of these lites on amazon.ca I hope I understand this right...you are just laying the dry stamp on the light with face side down to enable you to see the water mark. So that would eliminate lighter or watermark fluid...which would make it so much easier...or have I missed something.
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No, you have understood the concept perfectly. However, I wrote earlier:
"Finally, a point about the capability of showing stamp watermarks. This remains an 'unknown' at the moment."
I originally raised the subject of light boxes when I found one in Costco and tested it on a banknote. The fact that I could see the watermark in incredible detail, caused me to ask if anybody had used one. I had hopes that this could work on stamps, which would be particularly beneficial to Kelly.
Despite me successfully viewing a watermark using my OTT-Lite lamp, which uses the same type of light source; this was only a single stamp test. I may just have been lucky because of the paper type:
Numerous stamp series in my own 'single country' collection have different paper and gum characteristics. Sometimes I am able to see watermarks just by laying a stamp in my hand, yet others are almost impossible to see, regardless of the technique used.
So with the above in mind, I wouldn't advise anyone to buy one of these 'light boxes', if they thought that this will be the 'holy grail' of watermark detection, based just on my little trial.
I am going to buy one of these anyway, as this will benefit my son. So even if it turns out to be a complete flop at watermark detection, little is lost. It may turn out that my experiments with 'wet scanning', as detailed on another thread, may be more successful.
So, it may be advisable to 'watch this space', until I get one and test it.
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11:58:05pm
Thanks Clive - I have to stick with regular watermark fluid - due to my sight and limited dexterity abilities, I have to be safe.
I did see the light you showed in your picture on amazon.ca but I'll definitely try your scanning approach first. I'll use it on my Hindenburg head stamps first because I know what I'm looking for.
I want to do everything I can so I can enjoy my new world collection and finally finish my Germany that have frustrated me so long.
Question (off topic) do you think scanning Bavaria will show the silk lines?
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Looking at this image that I found, I would imagine that scanning should reveal silk security threads quite readily.
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I have just bought an OTTLite desk organiser lamp from Costco:
I've only used this for about 5 minutes so hasn't been fully tested. But my first impression is very good. The quality of the light is impressively natural.
While I was looking at the lamp I also noticed one of these OTTLite LED Light Box and Task Lamp Stations:
I gave it a little road test in-store with a £10 note. Wow! the variable backlighting is really good, showing the watermark with incredible clarity. Which made me wonder whether this might be suited to viewing certain stamp watermarks. Of course there are other uses such as tracing etc.
Has anyone got one of these, or used one extensively?
My next question is relates to price. While trying to find images of these lamps on the OTTLite website, I was puzzled about the prices. The lamp I bought was about £14, whereas their price is $60. The in-store price of the Light Box was around £50; the website price is $140.
Am I right to assume then, that these lamps can be bought considerably cheaper from other US or Canadian outlets?
Login to Like
this post
09:50:42pm
re: OTTLite range. Does anyone use them?
The desk organizer is available from Amazon for USD29.99.
They did not have the LED light box/task light station.
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this post
re: OTTLite range. Does anyone use them?
Thank you Dollhouse. I forgot to look on Amazon UK, which I now have. It just shows how we in the UK get our backsides spanked by US imports. It's listed at £105. In their dreams!
EDIT:
I meant the Light Box is listed at £105.
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A Service Dog gives a person with a disability independence. Never approach, distract or pet a working dog, especially when (s)he is in harness. Never be afraid to ask questions to the handler (parent).
01 Nov 2016
10:56:23pm
re: OTTLite range. Does anyone use them?
I'm not able to find this on amazon.ca
I found this: Huion L4S Light Box 17.7 Inch Diagonal LED Artcraft Adjustable Lightness Tracing Light Pad with USB Cable
Is it similar to the work station you mentioned?
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this post
re: OTTLite range. Does anyone use them?
Kelly,
I've just had a look at that Huion light box. It does indeed have the same light characteristics as the OTT-Lite workstation. In addition I had a look at a Litup LED Light Pad LP3-USB
From what I have found the Huion range consists of A2, A3 and A4 sizes. These are primarily aimed at artists and animators, who use tracing and graphite transfer papers for copying artwork.
Both the Huion and Litup are very thin (and light) devices which may be a big advantage to some.
I watched two videos of these in operation and in the Litup one, the demonstrator used the supplied USB cable to take its power from a PC/Laptop. It also came with a US two pin plug adaptor (but this was vague as to how it connected).
In the other video, the Huion was supplied with a power cord. So, the type of power supply preferred should be considered before choosing a particular model.
Both the Huion and Litup are so simple in operation. A power on/off button also acts as a 'variable light' control: hold finger on button and the light intensity reduces/increases. One of the demonstrations showed that the light was powerful enough to penetrate 300lb artist paper, which is more like card in thickness.
One shortcoming of the HUION and Litup devices is that they do not come with any rear legs to angle the device. So one would have to prop the light box (tablet is more accurate) on books or a bean bag, whereas The OTT-Lite workstation has a tilting 'table'.
The OTT-Lite workstation is much chunkier and is better described as a 'box'. Although it does have storage compartments, this is to my mind an unnecessary feature.
Having seen the OTT-Lite workstation and the Huion and Litup videos, I think these 'tablet' types may be better options. The only negative being the lack of a tilt mechanism.
Finally, a point about the capability of showing stamp watermarks. This remains an 'unknown' at the moment. However, I have tried to view a watermark on a coloured paper stamp using my OTT-Lite desk organiser lamp. This lamp has a very flexible neck, which I was able to adjust so the lamp was facing upwards. I then placed the stamp on the lamp shroud (note these are very cool running LED devices, so there is no danger of heat damage) and the watermark stood out really well.
When I get the opportunity, I'll set my camera up and try to photograph what I have just described.
As to the videos to which I referred, these can be viewed via this link: Litup then Huion videos
The first video is for the Litup and if you let it run to end, the following video is the Huion.
Login to Like
this post
re: OTTLite range. Does anyone use them?
Kelly & Clive ....
Yes, I have found the A4 size LED light pad for as little as $30. The Huion light pads have an illumination of 1200 to 1500 LUX. The $30 one that I found has an illumination of 4500 LUX, and would therefore be much more penetrating. Of course the brightness is continuously adjustable, but you have that little extra in case you need it.
There are also tilt stands available for $10-$15.
Login to Like
this post
re: OTTLite range. Does anyone use them?
Thanks Terry, especially for finding the stand. I was looking over here in the UK and was surprised how relatively inexpensive these are. However, what you pay in dollars, we pay in pounds plus a bit more. The cheapest I found was £32.99 on Amazon UK.
It would be nice to think that such a device would be of benefit, to Kelly in particular. Having spoken to my son, it would also serve him well for his school graphics study, as they rely on those big chunky, immovable metal light boxes. I might then just bite the bullet and get one. I can then road test it.
Login to Like
this post
A Service Dog gives a person with a disability independence. Never approach, distract or pet a working dog, especially when (s)he is in harness. Never be afraid to ask questions to the handler (parent).
02 Nov 2016
07:45:20pm
re: OTTLite range. Does anyone use them?
Where do I find these? Do you guys have any links? I'll try to view the videos this weekend. Thanks for the input.
Login to Like
this post
re: OTTLite range. Does anyone use them?
I've found this one on the US Amazon site: Huion L4S Portable USB at $39.99.
If you look down the page, there are 3 little selection boxes, which allow you to toggle between different models, one of which is the more powerful and more expensive Huion A4 ($59.99). This seems to be the one that Terry mentioned, which he has seen for $30, which seems extraordinarily cheap. So maybe he can point you in the right direction.
The other model is the Huion LB4, which I think is a heavier Lithium ion battery operated device.
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this post
08:51:16pm
re: OTTLite range. Does anyone use them?
I found a variety of these lites on amazon.ca I hope I understand this right...you are just laying the dry stamp on the light with face side down to enable you to see the water mark. So that would eliminate lighter or watermark fluid...which would make it so much easier...or have I missed something.
Login to Like
this post
re: OTTLite range. Does anyone use them?
No, you have understood the concept perfectly. However, I wrote earlier:
"Finally, a point about the capability of showing stamp watermarks. This remains an 'unknown' at the moment."
I originally raised the subject of light boxes when I found one in Costco and tested it on a banknote. The fact that I could see the watermark in incredible detail, caused me to ask if anybody had used one. I had hopes that this could work on stamps, which would be particularly beneficial to Kelly.
Despite me successfully viewing a watermark using my OTT-Lite lamp, which uses the same type of light source; this was only a single stamp test. I may just have been lucky because of the paper type:
Numerous stamp series in my own 'single country' collection have different paper and gum characteristics. Sometimes I am able to see watermarks just by laying a stamp in my hand, yet others are almost impossible to see, regardless of the technique used.
So with the above in mind, I wouldn't advise anyone to buy one of these 'light boxes', if they thought that this will be the 'holy grail' of watermark detection, based just on my little trial.
I am going to buy one of these anyway, as this will benefit my son. So even if it turns out to be a complete flop at watermark detection, little is lost. It may turn out that my experiments with 'wet scanning', as detailed on another thread, may be more successful.
So, it may be advisable to 'watch this space', until I get one and test it.
Login to Like
this post
A Service Dog gives a person with a disability independence. Never approach, distract or pet a working dog, especially when (s)he is in harness. Never be afraid to ask questions to the handler (parent).
02 Nov 2016
11:58:05pm
re: OTTLite range. Does anyone use them?
Thanks Clive - I have to stick with regular watermark fluid - due to my sight and limited dexterity abilities, I have to be safe.
I did see the light you showed in your picture on amazon.ca but I'll definitely try your scanning approach first. I'll use it on my Hindenburg head stamps first because I know what I'm looking for.
I want to do everything I can so I can enjoy my new world collection and finally finish my Germany that have frustrated me so long.
Question (off topic) do you think scanning Bavaria will show the silk lines?
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this post
re: OTTLite range. Does anyone use them?
Looking at this image that I found, I would imagine that scanning should reveal silk security threads quite readily.
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