USB microscope, again - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: ElektroQuark
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: April 29, 2016, 11:31:37 am
content: There are some threads about USB microscopes but from some time ago and no direct recommendations.So, I have about 150€ to expend on one of those USB microscopes for soldering (minimum lag required) and inspection, any advice on model?

author: Samogon
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 02, 2016, 06:39:41 pm
content: I have USB microscope for ~$50 it is 2 megapixels camera. and USB2.0 interface.http://www.ebay.com/itm/2MP-USB-Digital-Microscope-Video-Camera-Repair-tool-camera-with-stand-US-/111635267554?hash=item19fdfaffe2As cheap inspection device for small like 5-10 inch pcbs it is ok.For soldering it is not suitable:1. Image is 2D all components looks flat so feel of depth will play tricks with you when you will try soldering under it.2. Taking into account that image on the screen would be under significant angle to the work peace it would add perplexity to whole setup.Having 150 euros i would spend them on real stereo microscope. I know that Amscope shipment would cost as much as microscope itself i suggest to find something in europe and avoid china for the same reason (shipment) even if it is free to you but return would kill the budget.That is my 5 cents.

author: borjam
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: May 03, 2016, 06:49:15 am
content: I got a very cheap one from DX.com some time ago. It was like 25 dollars, and it's the same model I've seen for sale for 80 euros in some places.I think it's this one:http://eud.dx.com/product/digimicro-200x-zooming-usb-digital-microscope-844011743For inspection it has a decent image quality and, regarding responsiveness, it's essentially a video camera.To have an idea of what you can do, this video was shot with the microscope leaning against the aquarium glass, lit with infrared at night. The frame rate is wrong because I made a mistake configuring the whole setup.The critters you see are copepods, amphipods, tanaids, polichaetes, and ostrocods.The ostracods (lentil shaped crustaceans) are between .5 and 1 mm.

author: ElektroQuark
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: May 03, 2016, 07:25:42 am
content: Thank you.I already have a good quality stereo microscope, but it's invasive. I thought a digital one would be more "easy" to use, so to speak.It looks like it's not.

author: borjam
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: May 03, 2016, 07:46:58 am
content: Quote from: EdoNork on May 03, 2016, 07:25:42 amDepende, vecinoThere are versions with a better quality stand which would be better for inspection or soldering. A simple video program on the computer will show you a decent image.

author: wraper
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: May 03, 2016, 08:48:29 am
content: Quote from: EdoNork on April 29, 2016, 11:31:37 amYou won't get anything suitable for soldering for eur150, moreover any USB microscope will suck for soldering as you won't be able to see the distance at all.

author: wraper
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: May 03, 2016, 08:55:34 am
content: Quote from: EdoNork on May 03, 2016, 07:25:42 amGet optical with high working distance. I have one with 17 cm, mounted on a long arm. Almost impossible to get it obstructing the soldering process in some way. The only downside is when I put a preheater under it, it becomes too high, so I need to set my chair at max height but it is still a bit short. But that is mostly because my desk is rather high too and my height is rather short.

author: ElektroQuark
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: May 03, 2016, 08:58:12 am
content: I will continue using the optical one, yes.Thank you.

author: Samogon
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 06, 2016, 02:44:37 am
content: Quote from: EdoNork on May 03, 2016, 08:58:12 amMonday i will start using optical one.

author: ElektroQuark
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: May 06, 2016, 07:17:40 am
content: Show as a photo of your new acquisition.

author: Samogon
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 10, 2016, 03:17:14 am
content: As requestedMy lab packed in boxes waiting for floor tile installation and new bench.

author: ElektroQuark
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: May 10, 2016, 09:05:10 am
content: Nice!I need a boom stand for mine.

author: Samogon
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 10, 2016, 07:10:50 pm
content: Quote from: EdoNork on May 10, 2016, 09:05:10 amMay be you meant articulating arm?

author: ElektroQuark
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: May 10, 2016, 07:33:27 pm
content: I mean this:http://www.mechanical-devices.com/homesites/PageGen2.asp?page=23898It is correct spelling, ins't it?

author: Samogon
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 10, 2016, 08:47:18 pm
content: Ah ok I thought you have it and want same as mine. Sorry to play dumb.