There have been several discussions on this in the past. You don't mention which one you are interested in, but here are some links:
https://stamporama.com/discboard/disc_main.php?action=20&id=3942#22765
https://stamporama.com/discboard/disc_main.php?action=20&id=5777#34537
https://stamporama.com/discboard/disc_main.php?action=20&id=4161#24316
Thanks Michael, the prior conversations have only a single positive reference to electronic devices. I was looking for a working set of comments to consider whether I should try to acquire one.
I thought at one point we had a more comprehensive thread about it, but I couldn't find it.
I have a Sign o Scope and it's main advantage is that you have an unlimited amount of time to view it. It works on the yellows and oranges that are almost impossible in fluid. That said it usually works - I think if I spent a bit more time with adjustments it would work better.
As a seller if I am not sure of a watermark (usually W-F's, Mexico, Brazil and some Argentina) I always sell it as the cheapest variety.
How much you will use it depends on what you collect. It does not always work - you still have heavy cancels and light impressions to deal with.
Actually I haven't experimented enough just using a high res scanner and playing with adjustments for color (acts as a filter). brightness and contrast to know if it is any better. You might try the scanner first.
I don't think I have used mine in the last two or three years - it's an expensive item to just gather dust.
This discussion is more in-depth, and includes a discussion on fluids as well as the devices.
https://stamporama.com/discboard/disc_main.php?action=20&id=4161#24311
Here is a link about using a scanner to ID watermarks:
http://www.stampcommunity.org/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=15246&SearchTerms=watermark
I saw an ad again for an electronic watermark detector. Does anyone have experience, or own, one of these machines? I am interested if they do the job, and more to the point, do they provide better functionality than good old fashion fluid? I like the bladder Morley-Brites but they are no longer in production and good bladders are hard to find.
re: Electronic Watermark Detectors
There have been several discussions on this in the past. You don't mention which one you are interested in, but here are some links:
https://stamporama.com/discboard/disc_main.php?action=20&id=3942#22765
https://stamporama.com/discboard/disc_main.php?action=20&id=5777#34537
https://stamporama.com/discboard/disc_main.php?action=20&id=4161#24316
re: Electronic Watermark Detectors
Thanks Michael, the prior conversations have only a single positive reference to electronic devices. I was looking for a working set of comments to consider whether I should try to acquire one.
re: Electronic Watermark Detectors
I thought at one point we had a more comprehensive thread about it, but I couldn't find it.
re: Electronic Watermark Detectors
I have a Sign o Scope and it's main advantage is that you have an unlimited amount of time to view it. It works on the yellows and oranges that are almost impossible in fluid. That said it usually works - I think if I spent a bit more time with adjustments it would work better.
As a seller if I am not sure of a watermark (usually W-F's, Mexico, Brazil and some Argentina) I always sell it as the cheapest variety.
How much you will use it depends on what you collect. It does not always work - you still have heavy cancels and light impressions to deal with.
Actually I haven't experimented enough just using a high res scanner and playing with adjustments for color (acts as a filter). brightness and contrast to know if it is any better. You might try the scanner first.
I don't think I have used mine in the last two or three years - it's an expensive item to just gather dust.
re: Electronic Watermark Detectors
This discussion is more in-depth, and includes a discussion on fluids as well as the devices.
https://stamporama.com/discboard/disc_main.php?action=20&id=4161#24311
Here is a link about using a scanner to ID watermarks:
http://www.stampcommunity.org/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=15246&SearchTerms=watermark