would this be considered as a decent digital microscope , an andonstar model ? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: lokin4areason
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: June 02, 2025, 09:24:46 am
content: been searching for some time will something i could settle withand came across this modelhttps://www.amazon.com/Andonstar-Microscope-Soldering-Continuous-Amplification/dp/B0F6L8TXF8/ref=sr_1_4?crid=39D5QD87L2ZGC&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.JqHWg3hlh50i3GwhXXDWA2K58HxOq4Yl3-pivu6TuymX4K30rT7H6LNOLXY8xh3Vz3hXBNyVUF0Dw7aCDiw8nDf_ZXY2Mu06uRSeu-chyBl_dPzW3Dhib5Yk0PdEL0gB0KjSjeGWN_p7eQybD99ngS8PqS-AUO0Xt5iKc_rfe-E.a8TZ8A2XEoyegM4rPzNGTwc0Uqfyje_gQ2-_2wGQvIo&dib_tag=se&keywords=Andonstar%2Bdigital%2Bmicroscope&qid=1748856055&refinements=p_36%3A47000-&rnid=386442011&s=electronics&sprefix=andonstar%2Bdigital%2Bmicroscope%2B%2Celectronics%2C84&sr=1-4&th=1

author: xtech
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 02, 2025, 09:31:49 am
content: I have it, pretty decent for money I have payed for it. Good for PCB inspection but not suitable for soldering (you need traditional stereoscopic one)

author: KungFuJosh
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 02, 2025, 12:03:24 pm
content: I also have the AD208. It's good, butdon't buy it. It's an outdated model, and the price is bullshit. It's like $500 on that link, and when it was a current model, I bought it for $159.Look at their current models if you want a better budget digital microscope.One note about the AD208 is that there's lag that interferes with soldering, unless you run at a lower resolution...which is still good for what it is.Here's a better model for less than the one you linked:https://www.amazon.com/Andonstar-AD249S-Max-Microscope-Soldering-Electronics/dp/B0CSNWG8CLAnother one:https://www.amazon.com/Andonstar-Microscope-Soldering-AD210S-Pro-Electronic/dp/B0D7VYJPGNThanks,Josh

author: tszaboo
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 02, 2025, 12:17:23 pm
content: I have the AD210, that I paid like 80 EUR for.It's a good inspection microscope. The controls are a bit all over the place, there isn't like a central controller to adjust the light for example.It's very electrically noisy, so you need to switch it off when making oscilloscope measurements close-by.I'm also using it for soldering, the lack of depth perception makes it sometimes difficult, but you can get kind-off get used to it.Overall, considering the value I would buy it again. The next step-up is a trinocular microscope which is like 4-500 EUR.

author: lokin4areason
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: June 02, 2025, 12:30:36 pm
content: considering in getting something in the next few week(s) as i ll be doing inspecting PCBs , making repair(s) , and solderingneed something that can bring everything out and i can see everything clearly along with addressing the needs of the repair(s)

author: kmoonwalker
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 02, 2025, 06:28:31 pm
content: all depending what you like or how much you want to seeon those older cheaper the pic can be a bit grainy but it is OKon new generation ones pic is way nicer but price is exactly the opposite sadly :/I think if you can try it (btw best results with a good light in a room or pic will not be as good as it can be)

author: hpw
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 03, 2025, 11:16:43 am
content: Quote from: lokin4areason on June 02, 2025, 12:30:36 pmmay consider an 4k auto-focus ashttps://tomlov.com& AliExpress as I use and auto-focus really helps a lot.The extra bottom light with holder is not from them as it hides the view.In the meantime they have now a new "TOMLOV 10.1" TM3K-3D Max 3D Digital Soldering Microscope, Magnetic Dual Lens Micro Scope with Flex Arm" model to consider.Hp

author: joseangel
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: June 05, 2025, 08:07:19 pm
content: Uhm... Both models are interesting, the one with autofocus and the one with 3D accessory.I guess you have to choose one or another? I mean, the autofocus cannot "see laterally", is it?

author: thm_w
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 05, 2025, 09:07:17 pm
content: Thread should be here:https://www.eevblog.com/forum/reviews/Quote from: joseangel on June 05, 2025, 08:07:19 pmYou can do both, the "3D" accessory is just sort of a mirror that spins around and lets you see different angles of the part (see their video).Its good for inspection but not much use for live soldering.

author: hpw
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 05, 2025, 09:10:21 pm
content: Quote from: joseangel on June 05, 2025, 08:07:19 pmThe auto focus pointer was originally given herehttps://www.eevblog.com/forum/blog/eevblog-1640-mailbag-4k-microscope-panaplex-displays-piezo-singing-rf-magic/So I ordered one. Mainly it is very good for inspection than live soldering of 402 SMD partsThe 3D model looks more as for soldering, as with a long side arm provided. I have seen this new product after starting the reply, I was surprised as they have now an 3D view using a special adapter(s).Currently missing & interested how it really gets on soldering.... as navigating the SMD to the PCB and in addition soldering.For de-soldering as best usinghttps://www.chipquik.com/store/index.php?cPath=200at lower temperature to get the chip or the culprit away..Picture done with auto focus microscope....Hp

author: KungFuJosh
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 05, 2025, 09:35:56 pm
content: ChipQuick is awesome, I always use that when SMD stuff needs to get lifted.Personally, I'd go for 3D over autofocus. I don't remember if mine has an autofocus option, but I wouldn't use it if it does. I wouldn't want focus getting messed up while I'm soldering or inspecting. I prefer to set the focus manually while I move stuff around. Autofocus could breath too long, or jump to the wrong part.

author: thm_w
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 05, 2025, 10:05:48 pm
content: Quote from: KungFuJosh on June 05, 2025, 09:35:56 pmThis looks same as Eakins, you can either have constant autofocus (which is annoying), or autofocus on button press only (which is very convenient).

author: joseangel
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: June 06, 2025, 05:31:27 am
content: My business partner has a really good optical microscope, though most of the time we both use big 6" magnification lamps for soldering. Pretty good down to 0402. I don't think I can comfortably solder with a screenWe have also a low cost Andonstar 7-8" microscope at our office, somewhat old, which is specially useful for inspection. I was thinking of upgrading to the Tomlov with 3D accessory for inspection. I find myself constantly adjusting the focus and holding the boards at an angle precisely to inspect laterally the soldering of small 0402s or QFNs... I guess the lateral view mirror will be much more comfortable than our current setup. I was looking for a Tomlov with both features, but I cannot find the the autofocus version (1st link) has this 3D lateral view mirror (2nd link).Links for reference to others,1) With autofocushttps://tomlov.com/collections/auto-focus-microscope-series2) With 3D lateral mirror,https://tomlov.com/collections/3d-microscope

author: Psi
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 06, 2025, 05:34:00 am
content: Without 3D you are working with one hand tied behind your back.Sure you can do it, but 3D gives you so much more detail and avoids the issue of reflections where it's almost impossible to inspect soldering because reflections and bad solder joints blur together.

author: joseangel
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: June 06, 2025, 05:40:27 am
content: Quote from: Psi on June 06, 2025, 05:34:00 amThat is! Exactly! I will go for the one with 3D mirror. Thank youP.S.: I have emailed Tomlov and asked if they can bundle the best of both worlds, hahaha

author: Grandchuck
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 07, 2025, 07:44:05 pm
content: This thread led to the purchase of an Andonstar 210S Pro. As luck would have it, an immediate need appeared. A USB power supply died. Opened it up wondering what kind of bug I would find ... lo and behold, I found 3!

author: KungFuJosh
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 07, 2025, 07:51:37 pm
content: That was more literal than expected!

author: KungFuJosh
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 07, 2025, 11:11:24 pm
content: This #$()#$ thread led to the purchase of a TM3K-3D Max. My daughter now owns my old AD208. 🤣The screen and resolution and update rate are all nicer on this, but it was the arm that sold me. Much nicer on my bench, and much easier to use. The little stand on the Andonstar was a problem, especially for inspection.

author: Psi
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 08, 2025, 09:37:06 am
content: I've never used one of those 3D lens adjust LCD monitor microscopes. So I dunno how they compare to real 3D.Should at least be much better than 2D to see if what you're looking at is a reflection or not.

author: tv84
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 08, 2025, 11:01:13 am
content: Quote from: KungFuJosh on June 07, 2025, 11:11:24 pmLove the realism of their screen snapshots...https://tomlov.com/cdn/shop/videos/c/vp/a08acd952e774c17b262d544b9508c47/a08acd952e774c17b262d544b9508c47.HD-1080p-2.5Mbps-43896363.mp4Unless the delay is... 1 minute.

author: KungFuJosh
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 08, 2025, 02:51:52 pm
content: The 3D thing is gimmicky, and slightly bullshit, but also slightly useful. I'll share a real example later.They just use a mirror to offset the lens and show it at an angle. It's not true 3D at all. But, it might be useful. It certainly removes the flatness of normal 2D.Either way, the screen quality and arm alone were worth it to me. Both lens options are cool too.

author: Sorama
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 08, 2025, 03:09:21 pm
content: Quote from: KungFuJosh on June 08, 2025, 02:51:52 pmdoesn't it bother you that when using it for inspection/general overview of (part of) the pcb, you need to put the camera very high and thus also the monitor (almost looking at the sky...)?My neck got stiff after one minute of use and don't use it anymore.

author: KungFuJosh
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 08, 2025, 05:54:43 pm
content: Quote from: Sorama on June 08, 2025, 03:09:21 pmI'm tall. 😉😉The wide lens is better for inspection for that reason. But if it really bothers you, use the HDMI out to a giant screen. Or some VR goggles. 🤔

author: kmoonwalker
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 08, 2025, 06:10:10 pm
content: I actually tried with pic from scope camera on Quest 3 and it was nothing special - plus real world view is not good tooHololens 2 also has some issues as that projected image is good for some lines etc but not such thingsI dunno about Apple headset but I think we are not there yet with 3D (plus HL2 and Vision price tag is unrealistic for most - there are some other headsets with good picture I agree but not all in one so one can work with them on head)

author: lokin4areason
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: June 09, 2025, 02:53:22 pm
content: am so liking the feedback and suggestion(s) from you allesp with hand(s) on experience with using certain make(s) and model(s) ( with the likes and dislikes of them )

author: KungFuJosh
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 10, 2025, 03:44:00 am
content: I was recording a lazy video to show the 3D effect, and found this issue with one of the lenses. It appears the mirror can get caught and leave some ghosting on the screen in 2D mode. The issue was only present on 1 lens. I messaged the (assumed) manufacturer to see what they say about it.Thanks,Josh

author: hpw
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 12, 2025, 08:58:18 am
content: Quote from: KungFuJosh on June 10, 2025, 03:44:00 amI'm not interested in the 2D view at the moment.What would be useful in a 3D video is how to solder a small SMD, or not. The 3D view would show what's visible and what's hidden. Also, whether a swivel arm was used or not.Unfortunately, this isn't clearly shown in the TOMLOV video.

author: tv84
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 12, 2025, 11:29:05 am
content: Quote from: KungFuJosh on June 10, 2025, 03:44:00 amWhen will you post it? Somerealvideos would be great. 2D, 3D... 4D...

author: KungFuJosh
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 12, 2025, 05:28:45 pm
content: Quote from: tv84 on June 12, 2025, 11:29:05 amHere you go, in 4D:https://www.youtube.com/shorts/-fzhFZXlepI

author: thm_w
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 12, 2025, 10:06:30 pm
content: Thats much worse than I imagined. I was expecting it to rotate around a single center point, as shown in the demo video.But the ones we've seen before from other manufacturers are a lot larger in size:https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256807779318336.html

author: tv84
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 12, 2025, 10:28:06 pm
content: Quote from: KungFuJosh on June 12, 2025, 05:28:45 pmThankx. It looks reasonable. For me the big problem is surely the height of the screen...

author: KungFuJosh
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 12, 2025, 10:56:24 pm
content: Quote from: thm_w on June 12, 2025, 10:06:30 pmIt's gimmicky, as I mentioned. Whether those other ones are any better, I dunno. 🤷Quote from: tv84 on June 12, 2025, 10:28:06 pmYou're welcome. I agree; it's certainly reasonable for the price.What's the problem with the height for you?

author: hpw
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 13, 2025, 03:08:15 pm
content: Quote from: KungFuJosh on June 12, 2025, 05:28:45 pmGood, IMHO the given video is for inspection purpose.What I would like to see a live soldering & de-soldering of a small SMD part. As you will look at the flat LCD and solder on 3D virtual view. This will confuse almost.This means you have to control the SMD position, solder iron and solder wire and may using tweezers to hold the SMD part.

author: KungFuJosh
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 13, 2025, 03:45:39 pm
content: Quote from: hpw on June 13, 2025, 03:08:15 pmYup.When I have some time, and find something SMD to solder (I think I have some BS training boards somewhere), I'll make another video.I usually use hot air for that sort of thing, but I could show both methods.

author: aronake
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 15, 2025, 11:19:58 am
content: is TOMLOV TM3K-3D still a recommended model, or something recent released that is worth taking a look at?"Real" microscopes are too big for me and it would be used for some occasional inspections. So not too big, and price less of a concern. What could be a good choice then?

author: hpw
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 15, 2025, 12:42:53 pm
content: The beef question, how a man will or could deal from distances.As the privious message, went fishingSo for me this is still an open question.

author: joeqsmith
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 15, 2025, 01:31:04 pm
content: Quote from: KungFuJosh on June 12, 2025, 05:28:45 pmFor some reason, I was expecting more than a tilt. Why not just hold the part on an angle? We have a camera with a 90deg mirror allowing you to inspect under BGAs. Never gets used.

author: KungFuJosh
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 15, 2025, 02:03:53 pm
content: Quote from: aronake on October 15, 2025, 11:19:58 amIt works well enough for what it is, but I hate the detachable lenses. They're held on magnetically, and I've knocked them off a few times, and had to fish them out from behind my workbench...which is no easy feat.Besides that, if you turn the 2D/3D knob to far, it screws up the angle and will always ghost the edges. They're pretty sensitive, so you won't you overturned it until it's too late.I'd say opt for a non-3D model. Tomlov seems fine besides those 3D lenses.Thanks,Josh

author: KungFuJosh
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 15, 2025, 02:05:15 pm
content: Quote from: joeqsmith on October 15, 2025, 01:31:04 pmIt's supposed to be useful while soldering, but, meh. I mentioned above how I feel about the lenses. I like the screen, and the mounting arm. When the lenses aren't a problem, it works.

author: joeqsmith
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 15, 2025, 02:45:30 pm
content: That 90 deg setup used a Hitachi camera, Meiji base, and all integrated by YSC.https://yscsystems.com/https://meijitechno.com/The idea of having magnetically mounted lenses sounds like it could same some time. I like the idea of a quick change lens. Maybe a 1/4 turn locking system rather than the fine threads.We have an LCD mounted to one of our scopes. It is nice when trying to share with a group of people. I don't think I would like to solder this way. Beyond the lag, facing in a different direction than where my hands are would seem unnatural.

author: KungFuJosh
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 15, 2025, 02:54:25 pm
content: Quote from: joeqsmith on October 15, 2025, 02:45:30 pmI agree, quick change is a good thing, but it's poorly implemented. A 1/4 turn would be a much better option.The lagmightbe there, but it's not enough to be an issue while soldering. My previous Andonstar had too much lag at full resolution, so I turned it down to 720p and it wasusable. Not as nice as Tomlov at all.With the screen mounted to the scope, it's not awkward while soldering. It might take a minute to get used to, but it's really not bad.I'd prefer a Mantis setup in theory, but I don't have the $$$ or space to waste on one.

author: joeqsmith
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 15, 2025, 03:18:49 pm
content: I would want a screen that could be remotely located from the sensor, so it could be placed down front rather than on top where I have to look up.Ours is an Excelis Accu-scope. At 25 fps, it's a bit too choppy for my taste.https://www.accu-scope.com/products/digital-imaging/excelis-cameras/

author: KungFuJosh
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 15, 2025, 05:00:00 pm
content: I hear that. Looking up is a little odd at first. The two lenses that come with the one I have, one can be much closer to the work than the other. Either way, I have it a little high just based on making it fit on my bench.

author: hpw
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 16, 2025, 05:34:25 am
content: Quote from: joeqsmith on October 15, 2025, 02:45:30 pmYES, the HD8TR HD 1080p Trinocular Digital Microscope (3x – 429x)https://yscsystems.com/products/hd-digital-microscopes-hd8tr/as using better lenses and as >2k USIn addition after hours of soldering to clean the lenses