Optical vs USB Magnifier - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / beginners

author: nbritton
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 15, 2015, 02:53:27 am
content: What are the pros/cons of optical vs USB magnifiers? I need a magnifier for SMD work, not sure what to get.

author: ataradov
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 15, 2015, 03:15:12 am
content: Most (all?) USB microscopes are painfully slow for real-time work. You need an optical microscope for any real work.USB ones work great if you need to do inspection or check IC markings and other stuff like that.

author: singapol
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 15, 2015, 06:16:39 am
content: There are new cheap ones like these:http://www.ebay.com/bhp/binocular-microscopeBut first read this: Why you should not get the cheap ones but it's your choice.http://www.themelis.com/Education-Optics.htmlAn electronic hobbyist bought an AO 569...http://mightyohm.com/blog/2009/01/new-stereo-zoom-microscope/My analysis...what you need is a stereo microscope typically used by gemologists to see precious stones/jewelery. AO569 maximum magnification is 30X which is sufficient for smd work.It also zoomsbut a more powerful one is AO570, it's 42X. American Optical no long makes microscopes and are relegatedto museum pieces though there are many still used today especially biomedical types with multiple turret objective lens which are not suitable for smd because their working distance is too close to the object.If you can get AO569/570 complete with stand/base then by all means if you are a patriotic american.If given a choice I would not use AO569/570 because technologically it uses mirrors in the optical system.As you may know if you are photography enthusiast cheap digital SLR cameras use mirrors instead of real solid glass prism to bend the image 90 degrees similar to stereo microscopes/binoculars to the eyepiecelens.This means that compared to a glass prism the mirors are less bright but you may argue that extra lighting attachement will be used ...fine.So a better deal would be the more established brands western or japanese. My pick will be Olympus' older sz series like SMZ10 or any of the recent ones if you can get at a good price.make sure they come complete with stand and or light attachments.Many on ebay are just the microscope or pods without stand/base.

author: tggzzz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 15, 2015, 09:24:54 am
content: To a large extent it is personal preference, and that can only be determined by practical tests. On strategy is therefore to try the simplest and cheapest first, and only spend more money if it is inadequate.For hobbyist SMB soldering and inspection I personally dislike USB microscopes and optical microscopes, but I can use illuminated magnifying lenses.I prefer head-mounted visors which come with multiple lenses and can be used with spectacles - and fortunately they are cheap (<£20). They are also useful in many other circumstances, e.g. peering into instruments, reading small lettering.Seehttps://entertaininghacks.wordpress.com/2015/03/25/assembling-pcbs-with-surface-mount-components/for a list of what I've found to be helpful.

author: singapol
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 15, 2015, 09:53:21 am
content: Quote from: tggzzz on October 15, 2015, 09:24:54 amThe problem with headmounted devices is low magnification and working distance. Although there are 10X magnification found on ebay. The better surgeon types ( better working distance) also low mag max. 6X but not cheap. Either way it's looking through cheap optics or better optics.http://www.ebay.com/bhp/head-magnifierhttp://www.quicktest.co.uk/magnifier-binocular-compared.htmhttp://www.quicktest.co.uk/acatalog/Binocular-magnifiers--surgeon-s-type.html

author: Circuitous
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 15, 2015, 12:37:26 pm
content: You can get an AmScope pretty cheap. They are a good value, and are great for electronics work.Just search AmScope on this forum.You really don't need more than 4x to 8x for most SMD work. I only go higher for final inspection or when looking for problems.And, look at getting a Barlow lens to increase the working distance.Sent from my SPH-L720 using Tapatalk

author: Wim_L
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 15, 2015, 01:49:26 pm
content: Much depends on how you want to use it. For soldering work, it's best to have a relatively low magnification stereo microscope with long working distance (you need space to solder without bumping the hot iron into the microscope). Inspection work would benefit from somewhat greater magnifications.

author: ConKbot
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 15, 2015, 03:30:09 pm
content: How many eyes do you have? If 2, then a stereo microscope would be very much preferred. If less than 2 then as long as latency isnt too bad, usb or optical shouldnt matter.