Andonstar Digital Microscopes - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / beginners

author: YurkshireLad
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 06, 2023, 01:09:55 pm
content: I'm thinking of getting an Andonstar digital microscope for through hole soldering, as my eyes ain't what they used to be, and my reading glasses don't cut it. I've tried using a magnifying glass of sorts. I just returned a headband with magnifiying glass (acrylic?) as they don't really fit over my glasses, they're uncomfortable and will probably bend my glasses over time.I'm a complete beginner when it comes to soldering and electronics, so my budget is low, probably up to a max of C$200. This gives three options:Andonstar AD206 7"Andonstar AD207 7" 2MPAndonstar AD208 8.5"The AD208 is slightly out of budget, but it has a larger screen, which is appealing. The AD206 apparently includes an endoscope microscope, but I'm struggling to think why I would need one. I also can't work out what sensor it has, 2MP?The AD207 is available with a coupon, which brings the price down a bit. This is probably the best option, but is an endoscope useful or extra fluff?Thanks

author: Messtechniker
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 06, 2023, 02:36:12 pm
content: The parameter to watch in this case is "lag". Usually not specifiedby the manufacturer. Thank you very much.I use a simple USB 2 pen Andonstar camera which would be toolaggy for through hole soldering you envisage.

author: YurkshireLad
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 06, 2023, 02:37:12 pm
content: Quote from: Messtechniker on January 06, 2023, 02:36:12 pmGood point about the lag. I've watched numerous videos on the Andonstar AD207s, and the lag seems acceptable.

author: Warhawk
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 06, 2023, 02:42:29 pm
content: Quote from: YurkshireLad on January 06, 2023, 01:09:55 pmI can't help you with the microscope but you may also want to consider this:https://www.eevblog.com/forum/reviews/(quick-review)-eschenbach-labo-clip/I've been using it last couple years.Also, if your working area permits consider a normal optical microscope. I got an older Olympus. These USB things are often terrible.

author: YurkshireLad
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 06, 2023, 02:48:12 pm
content: Thanks. Those clips look useful, but I worry about the weight on my glasses and I expect I would have to lean very close to whatever I’m working on. Interesting though, I haven’t seen those yet in my searches.

author: kripton2035
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 06, 2023, 02:48:45 pm
content: there are huge video lags when you use these scopes with usbusb wires makes the lagall other microscopes that have an integrated screen, or output with hdmi have almost no lag.( or at least not noticeable in soldering work)

author: YurkshireLad
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 06, 2023, 02:55:38 pm
content: Quote from: kripton2035 on January 06, 2023, 02:48:45 pmI'm not looking to use one over USB, I'll use the built in screen.

author: Warhawk
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 06, 2023, 07:15:34 pm
content: Quote from: YurkshireLad on January 06, 2023, 02:48:12 pmGive it a chance. I can't solder without it. I actually also use it when woodworking, etc. I have, unfortunately, +5.25 diop. now. The working distance is great.The overal weight is 15.48g with the +2 glass (I just put it on the scale for you).Three lenses:14.21g (inspection)9.39g (best for soldering)7.02g (general purpose)The frame (bracket) itself is 8.37g.I have two sets in the office and one set at home. In use daily (unfortunately).PS: I too have a cheap digital microscope with an LCD. I abandoned it quickly.

author: harerod
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 06, 2023, 09:12:10 pm
content: I second Warhawk's suggestion of some kind of loupe. I don't want to add additional load on my ears and nose, therefore I use a super cheap, no additional gizmos added "headband loupe" for my professional work.The major benefit is that the corrections of your prescription glasses stay in effect and that work is as comfortable as it gets.A loupe simply adds some diopters to your glasses. Therefore, yet another option is to get glasses just for fine work.At any rate, for me the "headband loupe" plus good lighting works best. (Writes the guy who gave up flying due to ageing eyesight and who keeps three pairs of glasses plus the loupe around his desk.)

author: YurkshireLad
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 09, 2023, 12:35:40 pm
content: My prescription is about -7.5, or thereabouts. I'm not sure how that affects using some kind of headband loupe.I noticed that the Annlov/Tomlov digital microscopes claim to have a 12MP sensor, while the Andonstar has a 2MP sensor. Do they really have a 12MP sensor?

author: harerod
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 09, 2023, 02:00:55 pm
content: Quote from: YurkshireLad onTodayat 13:35:40It'll cost you less than $20 to find out. My personal bet is that, after you got both, you will be using the loupe more often, reserving the microscope for the trickieraspects.

author: YurkshireLad
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 09, 2023, 02:25:38 pm
content: By cheap loupe, I assume you mean something like this:https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B00USPI5X6/

author: harerod
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 09, 2023, 03:37:13 pm
content: I have an older version of this one, without the mini glass (which you can remove) and no lights. Cost €7 at fleabay, several years ago.https://www.amazon.com/-/de/dp/B085DRM3WL/ref=sr_1_46?keywords=jewelers+loupe+headband&qid=1673278211&sr=8-46Your item looks alright. I'd say this is a rather inexpensive way to find out, whether a loupe works for you at all.I'd look for not too small lenses, enough room to fit your prescription glasses and low weight. If you feel comfortable with the setup, you can always upgrade.

author: jmelson
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 09, 2023, 04:10:55 pm
content: I am quite nearsighted (without prescription glasses.) For modest soldering, like through-hole size stuff, I use an OptiVisor, by Donegan Optical. It has glass lenses inserted in a clear plastic frame in the flip-down visor. I use this for hours of soldering that is not too demanding. I use it over my regular glasses. I also use a stereo zoom microscope for the more demanding SMT stuff, and use that WITHOUT my glasses. I bought the microscope used.Jon

author: The Doktor
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 09, 2023, 08:40:59 pm
content: +1 for the OptiVisor. After trying a few other devices, I ordered an OptiVisor with 2.5X lens (8" focal length) and it's great. DOF is not to bad, and you have stereo vision so you retain depth perception, useful in soldering. Add the Quasar LED light kit, it works nice.Only complaint with OptiVisor is that the tension knobs for tilt keep coming loose, but it's a minor annoyance.