There is a $4.99 app available for mobile or desktop. I recently learned of it but haven't downloaded it yet, so can't tell you much about it. https://rakium.com/
Thanks, Ted! I looked at it and was not overly impressed with the reviews. But I only looked at it for a PC. I do think I will try this - at least for measuring perfs
EzPerf works well as long as you have one clean top and one clean side. Cancels will sometimes screw up areas where they leave the stamp. It takes a little practice to learn all of the functions, but in general it works well and is not very expensive. https://ezstamp.com/software/stamp-perforation-software
Wow, no offense to anyone meant, but a fool and their money... I have written extensively previously on how to use the specialist gauge in the FW series. That usage for the most part, is not specific to FW (save for bureau issues and the private perfs). This gauge is invaluable, and gives the ability to identify any perforation size, including those fraudulently added. You can learn the whole gauge in a few hours, a day at most.
Scott. The gauges have worked fine for me for many years. Now as I get older it is SOOO much harder to use a gauge. My eyes are not as good as they were.
Try using them under a USB camera (or light power microscope) then. Can keep everything steady, and the display is as big as you want it to be on your PC. Better than a loop, and has the added bonus you can take a photo of it to study, or share with others if you're in doubt.
I use the Sonic Imagery Labs perforation gauge that Scott has talked about before and it works very well. Wayne, you can get a regular magnifying glass that has a stand. I know I have one that I picked up a number of years ago to work on model railroad items. You can also buy magnifying glasses at Walmart or Walgreens.
All one has to do is scan the stamp, load to the site and then adjust the markers and it will tell you the Perf gauge. Kinda cool. There might be a few more steps as it's been a little while since I've used the site.
@ Scott Payton. Just received my IPEVO V4K, took me all of a couple of Min's to download and set up. You're right it's great. I wish I had come across this ages ago! Tried a couple of Pics just to see and they are very clear. Amazing little Gadget. It's light and small and packs away just anywhere.
Comments
https://rakium.com/
https://ezstamp.com/software/stamp-perforation-software
I have written extensively previously on how to use the specialist gauge in the FW series. That usage for the most part, is not specific to FW (save for bureau issues and the private perfs). This gauge is invaluable, and gives the ability to identify any perforation size, including those fraudulently added. You can learn the whole gauge in a few hours, a day at most.
See this post:
https://www.hipstamp.com/forums/discussion/comment/26267/#Comment_26267
https://www.buxsoft.com/index.php/en/item-product-en
Wayne, you can get a regular magnifying glass that has a stand. I know I have one that I picked up a number of years ago to work on model railroad items. You can also buy magnifying glasses at Walmart or Walgreens.
https://www.stampcollectingblog.com/free-digital-perforation-gauge/
All one has to do is scan the stamp, load to the site and then adjust the markers and it will tell you the Perf gauge. Kinda cool. There might be a few more steps as it's been a little while since I've used the site.
There is a great camera for this, it is a 4K camera and overhead. We have recommended it several times, and we liked it so much we bought two of them. Amazon is running a special at the moment:
https://www.amazon.com/IPEVO-Definition-Document-Camera-5-880-4-01-00/dp/B079DLTG9F/ref=sr_1_2_sspa?crid=1BXN5C08N5TL3&keywords=4k+overhead+camera&qid=1661131374&sprefix=4k+overhead+camera,aps,227&sr=8-2-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEzOTZISFUwRDhWSUdIJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwMTgxMjI4MlJCREFPNjI5V0pPVSZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwNjU2ODIxMzBMWUNLUjFYTlNDOSZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX2F0ZiZhY3Rpb249Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU=
If for any reason that link doesn't work, just search for IPEVO V4K camera on Amazon.
Love mine.
https://www.ipevo.com/products/v4k-pro/support
Scroll down until you see the Twain Driver download
Remember that the scanner software you use must have a twain setting.
If you have any trouble using it, just let me know.