recommendation for microscopes - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Phil_Tech
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: June 01, 2013, 11:47:22 am
content: Looking for recommendation for a stereo microscope for general electronic repairAnything around a few hundred dollars ?

author: Phil_Tech
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: June 01, 2013, 11:55:31 am
content: found a couple on eBay for around $200 (I'm in Victoria, Australia)251269488108 Optex XTD Series 20x Stereo Microscope230927942964 MS1220 MICROSCOPE STEREO DISSECTION (x20 & x40)- these dosn't seem to have any illumination330795914642 Microscope Stereo Binocular XSC-3C 20X-40X Magnification + Two Lamps360449803855 Microscope Stereo Binocular XSC-3B 20X-40X Magnification, 2x 10w halogenshas anyone used any of these ?

author: digsys
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: June 01, 2013, 12:09:32 pm
content: There's recently been quite an in-depth discussion in - I'd suggest you have a read through that and see if it answers your question -www.eevblog.com/forum/reviews/incredibly-good-boom-mount-stereo-zoom-microscope-for-incredible-price/Edit: Those have very short working distances .. is that acceptable?

author: Phil_Tech
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: June 01, 2013, 12:30:13 pm
content: what working distance should I be looking for ?is 57mm not enough ?i'm reading through the other link you sent now.

author: digsys
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: June 01, 2013, 01:06:19 pm
content: I think that is discussed in the thread, but basically, a fixed mount "C" shape gives you very little flexibility to move your"victim" around. Most engineers I know, go for a boom arm mount, which gives you a HECK of a lot more flexibility.

author: KJDS
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 01, 2013, 01:10:25 pm
content: Zoom is far more important than outright magnification.Typically on a stereo zoom microscope then the zoom section gives 1 to 4x mag and the eyepieces give 10x magnification. That generally leads to a total magnification of 10 to 40x and a working distance of about 65mm, which isn't enough to get a soldering iron underneath.A 0.5x auxilliary, or Barlow lens should be fitted which will reduce the magnification to 5x to 20x but double the working distance. 20x is more than enough for any electronics work I've ever had to do.

author: Phil_Tech
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: June 02, 2013, 09:39:35 am
content: Thanks for the information. I have searched eBay for "Boom, Zoom, Microscope"Found: #121062711722 Boom Stand 7X-45X Zoom Stereo Microscope+8W Ring Light for $340I've sent an enquiry to the seller to find out the cost for a suitable 0.5x barlowthanks again for pointing in me in the right directionregards, Phil

author: digsys
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: June 02, 2013, 11:31:21 am
content: Yep, that's the type. I can't believe they're only charging ~$45 shipping from USA !!!! With tracking !!??Shipments from China are heavily subsidised, but USA?Seller has a high score, so it must be right.Good find.

author: robrenz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 02, 2013, 04:06:18 pm
content: Quote from: digsys on June 01, 2013, 12:09:32 pmThe microscope I show in thefirst post of that threadhas 165mm working distance when using the 0.5 barlow. That is more working distance than anyone will need.Quote from: digsys on June 02, 2013, 11:31:21 amThat seller looks like a "division of Amscope". It is definitely visualy and specification wise identical to a Amscope just slightly cheaper pricing and possibly more reasonable shipping outside the US.

author: Phil_Tech
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: June 05, 2013, 12:57:03 pm
content: Thanks again for the helpOne more thing - which is better: Fluoro or LED ring lightregards, Phil

author: robrenz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 05, 2013, 02:13:38 pm
content: I am happy with the LED ring but there were some strong opinions in that same thread above starting at the bottom of page 2.

author: Phil_Tech
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: June 06, 2013, 10:05:31 am
content: Robrenz - I did read that thread, there wasn't much mention of Fluoro lightsI'm interested to see a few opinions before I take the plunge. Have you used Fluoro ? If so, how does it compare to LED ?regards, Phil

author: KJDS
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 06, 2013, 10:10:55 am
content: For occasional soldering on dull pcbs I don't think LED or flouro makes much difference. For long term looking at shiny stuff I'd want a cold light source and fiber.

author: robrenz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 06, 2013, 11:23:50 am
content: Quote from: Phil_Tech on June 06, 2013, 10:05:31 amI have only used the LEDs

author: lgbeno
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 06, 2013, 11:59:10 am
content: Fiber optic light sources are probably the best because they are the brightest and most uniform. Also sort if expensive but you get what you pay for. If you watch long enough, you should be able to find a good score on eBay.

author: digsys
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: June 06, 2013, 12:14:51 pm
content: Seriously, IF you've gone to the trouble to get a decent 3D microscope, buy all the options. Especially since it's not a biginvestment, and you'll find each better for different types of work. I've got all types AND made custom lighting as well,especially for the camera attachment.

author: Phil_Tech
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: June 08, 2013, 01:35:04 am
content: Digsys - My use will be for general PCB repairs, however I'm sure to find other applications once I get one!Which would you suggest for PCB work & whyWhat applications would you use LED over Fluoro & whyThe unit I'm looking at includes 8w Fluoro, option for 144 LED is +$139. 150w cold fiber is +$500regards, Phil

author: digsys
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: June 08, 2013, 04:15:34 am
content: Quote from: Phil_TechWell, the Fluoro would be quite cheap and a good deal, 144 LEDS is a good price and well worth it. With LEDs, you don't wanttoo few, as you get bright spots / reflections and poor light grading. 56+ is a good minimum. I'd definitely get those 2.As for the cold fiber at $500 .. GEEEBUS. Not sure what advantage that may have, BUT it better make your toast as well !! :-)Quote from: Phil_TechI find LEDs create less reflections and are a HECK of a lot easier to adjust intensity. It makes reading part #s etc a lot easier.IF the PCB is denser, with a lot of tall components, the Fluoro works better, which makes it handy.Quote from: Phil_Techcamera / video port A MUST, if you have the 3rd port (or adapt it to one of the eyepieces). Remember, at that point it is only 2D!!and "hot spots" / light uniformity plays a HUGE role. Imagine many of the pins of a QFP etc reflecting in all directions (Fluoro).or taller, wider components causing shadowing (too few LEDs).

author: Phil_Tech
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: June 08, 2013, 05:18:24 am
content: Quote from: digsys on June 08, 2013, 04:15:34 amat 150w it could take a while

author: Phil_Tech
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: June 08, 2013, 05:28:15 am
content: Camera... could be handy for the odd occasion so as to keep a record of what was foundShould I look for a Trinocular ? or can you get a camera which will slip into one of the binocular eyepieces ?

author: digsys
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: June 08, 2013, 07:31:27 am
content: Quote from: Phil_TechCameras are a tricky one. Being a very short focal range (flat plane), it's difficult to get good results, and often NOT all the time.If you go Trinocular, go as high MP as you can, and look for lower Lux types. THat at least gives you a head start.A better introduction is to use an existing Digital camera. Many have adapters that fit a standard microscope port.That way you have a MUCH better CCD and imaging behind it. There are also many microscope adapters for all sorts of optic systems.

author: robrenz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 08, 2013, 12:31:13 pm
content: Quote from: digsys on June 08, 2013, 07:31:27 amThat is not my experience. If you are considering a trinocular and camera. read my experiencehere.Definitely consider the Simufocal units that have both eyepieces active when the camera is engaged.

author: digsys
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: June 08, 2013, 02:11:20 pm
content: Quote from: robrenzNicely written article and I agree with pretty much everything you write. I didn't make the fancy holders though :-)I try to keep my replies short, so I compact stuff, plus try to pre-empt what the OP has / may have etcFor the camera - IF you chose a low-res type, you're pretty much limited plus it's usually of poorer quality. With a hi-res, you have theoption of fps / resolution etc, which you can play with - which is precisely what you say. I went through 2 low-res, mid-res cameras,then a hi-res low frame rate until finally I found one with low-lux, hi-res and high transfer rate. It was a BIG improvement.I shortened it all to one line :-)I also helped a friend connect his Canon DSLR through an eyepiece and did all the stills / video in live-view on the laptop.I was quite impressed, but then it is quite a pricy camera, but I have seen good work with cheaper DSLRs.I suggested this option in case the OP did not want to replace his microscope. OK, that should be clearer now :-)

author: Phil_Tech
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: June 17, 2013, 12:16:40 pm
content: would it be better to get a 0.3x barlow instead of the 0.5 barlow

author: robrenz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 17, 2013, 12:26:42 pm
content: Not unless you need some extrordinary working distance.

author: digsys
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: June 17, 2013, 12:44:17 pm
content: Agreed. And you have a shorter focal plane, things get jitteryer(?). I've been working at max (with 0.5x) all day, looking for residuefrom different cleaning solutions (in between TQFP, VSOP pins etc), and it's been tough on my eyes.

author: KJDS
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 17, 2013, 02:46:49 pm
content: Usually the 0.5x barlow lens unscrew very easily for those occasions when you need extra magnification but don't need the working distance.