Hey Pukka Bud, I got a USB Magnifying scope at Toy's R Us. It was $29.99 in the science kit isle. (EDIT)I just realized you are in the UK, look in a toy store, hobby shop, or electronic parts stores. You're suppose to use it to look at bugs and stuff but I use it as a scope. It can take pictures and video as well, I hook it up to my 47" and look at the trichomes...it's fun. You can also go to Radioshack like newbie12345 said for about $12-15 bucks. I think they have some up to 100x times too.
newbie12345, thanks! If you looking for more of a head high, you want more cloudy trichomes than amber. Amber is the THC turning into a CBN (which affects the body). I would do like you said, finish week 7, then flush and finish week 8 maybe go a little into week 9. I just flushed mine today, freaking 45 gallons of RO water and Botanicare Clearex. If you are not using a flusing agent, I would recommend it. It has surcose and frucose which will inhance the flavor and still give your plant some carbs.
With 70% cloudy, you can even start flushing now and chop in about 4-5 days, if you use a flushing agent. You can cut some now and cut the rest later to see the difference. I 2 branches today off of Casey Jones #4 (day 54). I will cut another 1-2 in about 5 days and then the rest around the end of week 8. This is my first grow so I want to learn about the strain and see the difference at different stages. I am also growing a 3 CJ's in a 6" Grodan blocks to see if the flavor and growth is different.
Here are some new trichomes pics of from Casey Jones #4
Fresh sample
1 day dried
OG Kush I got from my buddy, perfect example of amber trichomes (dried and cured)
(EDIT) I just tried this and......very relaxed body, made my eyes heavy instantly, smooth, and got a good head high still. I'd say this is 60-70% amber, 30-40% cloudy. Very mellow, my face feels a little tingly.
This is what my eyes feel like...
Thanks guys!