microscope

As already mentioned before to others, I use a digital microscope called ANDONSTAR AD407 that has a 7″ screen or can be connected to a computer monitor via an HDMI output, it has a micro SD card for recording or screenshots (should you ever need to) a remote control and is has a very nice and fairly strong aluminum bracket and base + 2 LED lamps. Have had this for the past 3-4 years and paid in the ballpark of $200 for it and I’m happy with it. It doesn’t do 4K is only a HD resolution but it work very good (so far). Can you get a better one for the same money or less??? I’m not sure. it is hard to beat but,…who knows ? Do I recommend it? Absolutely.

@ovi4 thank you. do you find it better to look at a screen or into a eye pieces?

Well, I don’t quite get what you mean. The microscope that I own doesn’t have a so called “eye piece” It only has a 7″ screen and the option to use an additional screen such as a computer monitor should you wish to) and I never used that HDMI function due to the lack of space on the bench and also never felt the need for a bigger screen. To my eyes a 7″ screen is reasonable to look at but you might prefer otherwise… 😉 

What I have been using is Andonstar AD409 Pro HDMI Digital Microscope with Endoscope, 10.1 inch LCD Screen Soldering Microscope, 300X USB Electronic Microscope Camera for PCB Soldering, Supports Windows PC.

As I near 80yrs. my eye keep fading and the 10.1″ screen really helps me and I really like.

I did buy earlier Andonstar HDMI Microscope, Camera- True Digital HD Imaging at 1920x1080p resolution-10x-300x Optical Zoom with about a 3″ screen and just did not work for me.

You get what you pay for, and your depth perception viewing can be a problem and there is a learning curve as your hand eyes get use to the depth perceptions.

@ovi4 I have never used one but i see you can get a scope with eye pieces. just wondering if one’s easer then the other or it doesnt matter

@utumven11 I believe I heard scope with eyepieces gives you a better depth perception, but I am not sure of the field vision width might be better with a large screen.

@larry_n7luf Im turning 65 soon so i know what you mean… Mag glasses are not cutting it any more for the tiny stuff. Thanks, Larry that one looks like a winner, I love the Endoscope feature. 

@utumven11 I have not used the Endoscope feature much and have tried it hold with my hand, but as any distance change you have to refocus it, but nice to get a side view of the parts.

I have no complaints, other than if there is a power outage and when the power comes back on, it turns on. I have had some power outages and when I went back into the lab, I ask who turn the scope bach on. THe more I use it the better I love it.

I have it setting up high to my eye level and have a lot of room under the scope to do things and I know you should be happy.

Glad to help you.  

@utumven11 Well, with microscopes equipped with only eye pieces the big advantage is that you get an optical lens magnification only! which is far better than a digital magnification (usually) but for that quality and magnification you’ll be paying over the odds and to me, it doesn’t really justify the investment. And there is a con with them as well. Looking at the PCB thru the eye piece you don’t always have a clear perception or view on where the tweezers and the tip of your soldering iron is and you’ll be constantly looking either thru the lens when soldering or below directly at the PCB to work out where your tool tips are and move them to the next soldering point. It can be really frustrating @ times. To me an electronic digital microscope is better because you’ll easily see them both from the distance so…less tiring over time. So… 😇 …your choice.

@ovi4 Awesome. I will be going digital. thank you for the info

@larry_n7luf Thank you