A second monitor is one option. Somethng that comes into play here is the need for a fast computer also.
The old dog may work fine but for real time video update, as you move around, a slow computer no longer cuts
it.
A thought that i had was to use a video camera independent of the computer such as the cameras being sold along with a screen that you use for your car. They can be found for around $100, and have been meaning to get one
for the Honda Accord since you can't see the back end with the new vehicles. Of course it would be tried out
on the mill first.
Greg,
I didn't get a chance to do the appendix on cameras yet, but, you can add a lens in your tube and increase the magnification ( it also inverts the image). Of course there are limitations since magnification is camera dependent and you wiill start to pixelate in the viideo screen. To do it you also need to have an adjustable lens on the camera. Idealy a lens placed like the jewelers ones that attach to glasses may be neat since you could get a wide field of view along with a magnifiied center around the crosshair. Another one is making an optical micrometer out at the end. Basicaly you rotate a piece of glass, it refracts the light path, and can be calibrated such that you measure with it. That's how my optical allingement stuff works. Would be a nice project to do.
RICH
PS: Haven't tried an optical wedge as that would allow refined camera ajustment. But still agree wiith you on the window / maybe
need two one for settings and another small one. If we can't get that, then the plug in screen needs to allow for the video window.
See my comment's in the CopyCat thread.