Is this microscope ok for SMD soldering work? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: MassDestruction
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: November 07, 2016, 07:51:09 pm
content: I'm currently looking at this microscope for doing some SMD soldering. Probably should look at better options but I'm on a tight budget. Has anyone used a scope like this for SMD soldering/inspection? Or should I not even bother.https://www.amazon.com/AMSCOPE-KIDS-Microscope-Magnification-Reversible-Battery-Powered/dp/B005N0C7IA/ref=sr_1_71?s=photo&ie=UTF8&qid=1478542999&sr=1-71

author: onesixright
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 07, 2016, 08:01:21 pm
content: I don't have one, but im looking as-well. I don't think this will make you happy. But of course it depends, if you use it a few times a year (?) i might be fine.I would consider work height, i'm not sure if this has a enough space. Might be fine for inspection, but soldering is another ball game. Also take into account how many hours you will be looking at it.Myself im looking for for a USB version (with C-Mount) with a LCD screen, but thats more in the 350-500 USD.Good luck, lets us now what you got!

author: wraper
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 07, 2016, 08:49:38 pm
content: Quote from: MassDestruction on November 07, 2016, 07:51:09 pmDon't think so. Even if it's not that bad as a scope, imagine in what posture you would need to be for soldering while looking through it.QuoteFine for inspection, completely sucks for soldering.

author: Carrington
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 07, 2016, 08:55:14 pm
content: Quote from: MassDestruction on November 07, 2016, 07:51:09 pmI made some weldings with it, but I cannot recommend it for that, however to inspect small boards is pretty decent.

author: onesixright
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 07, 2016, 08:57:04 pm
content: @wraperThanks for the heads-up. Could you explain what it is that sucks?

author: rstofer
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 07, 2016, 09:02:16 pm
content: In general, you want a scope that works over the bench, not over a stage. That leaves your PCB flat on the table. Something like:https://www.amazon.com/AmScope-SE400-Z-Professional-Microscope-Magnification/dp/B005C75IVM/ref=pd_sim_sbs_328_7

author: wraper
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 07, 2016, 09:09:09 pm
content: Quote from: onesixright on November 07, 2016, 08:57:04 pmEven if you manage to get one which has no noticeable lag, absence of stereo vision (perception of depth) ruins everything.

author: onesixright
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 07, 2016, 09:21:03 pm
content: Quote from: wraper on November 07, 2016, 09:09:09 pmAh, of course. I was thinking about FPS. But thats gonna suck indeedThanks!

author: ataradov
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 07, 2016, 09:30:33 pm
content: This microscope has ~2" of a working depth before you hit the back support column. This will make it very inconvenient or impossible to work with large boards.Also, AmScope SE400-Z has a very good price/bang ratio. I would recommend it.

author: MassDestruction
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: November 07, 2016, 09:42:36 pm
content: Thanks for the info everyone. I'll go with the AmScope SE400-Z then. More than I want to spend but seems like it's well worth it.

author: rstofer
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 07, 2016, 11:07:33 pm
content: Quote from: MassDestruction on November 07, 2016, 09:42:36 pmI would really like to have a microscope like this. So far, I have been getting by with a Stereo Visor. I usually cook my PCBs in a reflow oven made from a converted Black and Decker InfraWave toaster oven. There is very little rework.One day...