Di-Li 900 Stereo Microscope? (alternative suggestions welcome!) - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: homebrew
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 12, 2017, 08:43:30 pm
content: Hi,I'm looking for a decent stereo microscope for SMD soldering (budget about 1000 USD max).Farrell offers an interesting looking model accompanied with a robust looking boom stand:http://uk.farnell.com/distelkamp/di-li-900/microscope-stereo-zoom/dp/2313143http://uk.farnell.com/distelkamp/di-li-1091/boom-stand-double-arm/dp/2313151However, I've never heard of the manufacturer 'distelkamp' before.So does anybody have any experience with either this model or this company?As long as it fits into my budget I'm open for any other suggestion, too ...

author: trevwhite
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 12, 2017, 08:48:32 pm
content: I think there are better deals. Amscope comes to mind.ThanksTrev

author: sn4k3
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 13, 2017, 01:51:41 am
content: check AmScope SM-4TP or SM-4NTPAnd if you can buy len protector (1x) or Barrow lens of 0.5x

author: jmelson
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 13, 2017, 11:44:43 pm
content: 54-74 mm working distance. Usually, there is just one working distance. 54 would be too short to solder under, 74 is still tight to get the board, your hands and the soldering iron under.My soldering microscopes are more like 100 mm W.D., which is great.Jon

author: amanda1
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: February 21, 2018, 02:13:29 pm
content: take a look at this microscope:https://www.amazon.com/Andonstar-Digital-Microscope-Soldering-ADSM302/dp/B076XYRCYM/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1519219823&sr=8-4&keywords=microscopes+for+soldering+boards.Does it fit into your budget?

author: homebrew
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 24, 2018, 06:37:44 am
content: Thanks a lot for the suggestion!In the meantime I bought this one:https://www.bresser.de/en/Microscopes-Magnifiers/BRESSER-Biorit-ICD-CS-Stereo-Microscope.htmlAnd I REALLY LIKE IT!I really enjoy working with stereo optics because I have a perception of distance which I find quite hard to estimate using a camera based system.What I don't like is the illumination 'system'. It's really basic using an incandescent (halogen though) lamp. I'll probably replace it using one white LEDs but we'll see. Most of the time my ambient lighting is bright enough anyway ...

author: mavu
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: February 24, 2018, 06:44:44 am
content: Quote from: homebrew on February 24, 2018, 06:37:44 amI was wondering for a while, if there is a technical difference between microscopes with this rectangular bottom piece and those with the circular one?Is it just a design thing? or are there inherent advantages to either?

author: ogden
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 24, 2018, 08:13:00 am
content: Quote from: homebrew on February 24, 2018, 06:37:44 amSeems like Bresser is rebranding Amscope microscopes. Check look of AmScope SE400-Z and you will see. Unfortunately price differ contrary to look

author: ogden
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 24, 2018, 08:27:49 am
content: Quote from: mavu on February 24, 2018, 06:44:44 amRectangular bottom piece is inferior to circular. With rectangular you have fixed magnification. Many circular have "continuous zoom" magnification. Circular lens accepts accessories such as ring light,Barlow lenswhich could be very useful, especially if you need to increase working distance (in case of 0.5x lens).IMHO Amscope SM-3BZ-80S is best price/performance choice at the moment. For 400$ you get decent stereo zooming uscope with full set of accessories.

author: homebrew
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 24, 2018, 12:59:23 pm
content: Quote from: ogden on February 24, 2018, 08:13:00 amI know - but unfortunately I cannot buy AmScope stuff easily here in Switzerland. Bresser is available at several places here.I guess in the end they both rebrand and there is a third supplier :-)Quote from: ogden on February 24, 2018, 08:27:49 amTrue, there is fixed focus only but for me this is totally sufficient. Workpiece distance is also very good.And for the light - well I might find a DIY solution someday ...

author: ogden
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 24, 2018, 07:34:36 pm
content: Quote from: homebrew on February 24, 2018, 12:59:23 pmLow cost photo LED macro light + ductapehttps://www.amazon.com/Neewer-Marco-Light-Adapter-Tamron/dp/B0031AQ302