Author Topic: EEVblog #1125 - Amazing $500 Soldering/Inspection Microscope!  (Read 71198 times)

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Offline EEVblogTopic starter

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EEVblog #1125 - Amazing $500 Soldering/Inspection Microscope!
« on: September 26, 2018, 01:56:24 am »
This Eakins microscope from Aliexpress seems identical to the new AU$1800 Suba Engineering microscope for 1/3 the cost.
And can it out perform the $4500 Tagarno?

http://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/eN3Ec5a
http://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/bHSXalzm
http://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/cMimkzYc

 
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Offline BravoV

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Re: EEVblog #1125 - Amazing $500 Soldering/Inspection Microscope!
« Reply #1 on: September 26, 2018, 02:05:28 am »
So basically Suba Engineering is just another Aliexpress/Alibaba merchandise "repackager/relabeller" company ?  :-//

Offline orion242

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Re: EEVblog #1125 - Amazing $500 Soldering/Inspection Microscope!
« Reply #2 on: September 26, 2018, 02:50:08 am »
Price is going up, surprise Dave factor.

Bought one with the link in the video and its $522.99 freedom bucks now.  Maybe its the Trump tariffs.

Funny enough, the camera looks identical to the one Louis Rossman uses.

What are you using for HDMI capture on the PC Dave?
« Last Edit: September 26, 2018, 02:56:19 am by orion242 »
 

Offline LapTop006

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Re: EEVblog #1125 - Amazing $500 Soldering/Inspection Microscope!
« Reply #3 on: September 26, 2018, 03:11:33 am »
I ordered one from an eBay seller a few weeks back after the previous thread, and it arrived today.

For those trawling ebay the magic search terms seem to be "hdmi microscope imx290", I got mine for ~US$520 including Australian GST, with the 180x lens and a ring light.

The search terms for the standalone less-magnification lens would be appreciated if anyone knows them.
 

Offline EEVblogTopic starter

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Re: EEVblog #1125 - Amazing $500 Soldering/Inspection Microscope!
« Reply #4 on: September 26, 2018, 03:29:52 am »
 

Offline TheDefpom

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Re: EEVblog #1125 - Amazing $500 Soldering/Inspection Microscope!
« Reply #5 on: September 26, 2018, 04:47:53 am »
I picked up a set, the cam, mount, led ring light etc. and also purchased a 120x lens... don’t tell my wife.
Cheers Scott

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Offline BravoV

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Re: EEVblog #1125 - Amazing $500 Soldering/Inspection Microscope!
« Reply #6 on: September 26, 2018, 05:40:00 am »
I picked up a set, the cam, mount, led ring light etc. and also purchased a 120x lens... don’t tell my wife.

Please share the captured image at 120x ... or I will tell ...  >:D ... j/k ... TIA

Offline TheDefpom

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Re: EEVblog #1125 - Amazing $500 Soldering/Inspection Microscope!
« Reply #7 on: September 26, 2018, 05:53:42 am »

Please share the captured image at 120x ... or I will tell ...  >:D ... j/k ... TIA

Once it arrives I will do a review video on it.
Cheers Scott

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Offline taemun

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Re: EEVblog #1125 - Amazing $500 Soldering/Inspection Microscope!
« Reply #8 on: September 26, 2018, 07:41:11 am »
What happened to "don't turn it on, take it apart!"?

Tear it down, Dave!  :)
 

Offline Spragnut

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Re: EEVblog #1125 - Amazing $500 Soldering/Inspection Microscope!
« Reply #9 on: September 26, 2018, 07:44:16 am »
Does this look the same but a fair bit cheaper if bought as separate parts as opposed to the bundle?

Camera Module - ckambiselis worked out this doesn't have autofocus which explains the price difference
Lens
Stand

Today's exchange rate puts the bundle at £441.88 with the 180x lens and stand

Bought separately it works out at £310.85 with the 120x lens (or 180x) and the same stand
« Last Edit: September 26, 2018, 08:31:04 am by Spragnut »
 

Offline ckambiselis

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Re: EEVblog #1125 - Amazing $500 Soldering/Inspection Microscope!
« Reply #10 on: September 26, 2018, 08:15:44 am »
Dave could you check if the top part of the lens screws off, from the lens option pictures it seems like its 2 lenses screw back to back from the 120x to the 180x.

@Spragnut
It seems the same but the seller also has another one with autofocus mentioned at 309 pounds.


Oscar
 
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Offline Spragnut

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Re: EEVblog #1125 - Amazing $500 Soldering/Inspection Microscope!
« Reply #11 on: September 26, 2018, 08:29:54 am »
Dave could you check if the top part of the lens screws off, from the lens option pictures it seems like its 2 lenses screw back to back from the 120x to the 180x.

@Spragnut
It seems the same but the seller also has another one with autofocus mentioned at 309 pounds.


Oscar

Well spotted! If it's too good to be true and all that! You've just saved me wasting my money on something inferior.
 

Offline mrpackethead

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Re: EEVblog #1125 - Amazing $500 Soldering/Inspection Microscope!
« Reply #12 on: September 26, 2018, 09:42:59 am »
So basically Suba Engineering is just another Aliexpress/Alibaba merchandise "repackager/relabeller" company ?  :-//

Not the only ones.  The Chinese Germany SMT company thing also claimed to have one as well. ( they claim a special high quality lenses )..  Seriously..    Looking forward to going and finding one of these at the next trip to the SEG.    If you are going to just blanetly copy stuff, you will get just get busted.  Esp on this forum where cynicism is normal.
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Offline Thetatronics

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Re: EEVblog #1125 - Amazing $500 Soldering/Inspection Microscope!
« Reply #13 on: September 26, 2018, 10:20:27 am »
Seems to be quite a few autofocus versions available on the Eakins store on Ali-express  https://eakins.aliexpress.com/store/610200?spm=2114.10010108.100005.2.1ada5242PhIYhQ    some come with stands and some offer different shipping rates...   looks like I'm going to have to put all this into a spreadsheet to work out the cheapest option

 

Offline mrpackethead

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Re: EEVblog #1125 - Amazing $500 Soldering/Inspection Microscope!
« Reply #14 on: September 26, 2018, 10:28:12 am »
Eakins is just another brand.  theres several others simialr.
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Offline LapTop006

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Re: EEVblog #1125 - Amazing $500 Soldering/Inspection Microscope!
« Reply #15 on: September 26, 2018, 10:44:52 am »
Dave could you check if the top part of the lens screws off, from the lens option pictures it seems like its 2 lenses screw back to back from the 120x to the 180x.

Mine arrived today, I was hoping that was the case, as it certainly looks like it, but no such luck with reasonable force. Wouldln't surprise me if it's loktite, but I'm not willing to use enough force to find out.

Edit: I'm an idiot, missed the obvious set-screw holding the extension in place.
« Last Edit: September 26, 2018, 01:28:38 pm by LapTop006 »
 

Offline EEVblogTopic starter

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Re: EEVblog #1125 - Amazing $500 Soldering/Inspection Microscope!
« Reply #16 on: September 26, 2018, 10:49:42 am »
Dave could you check if the top part of the lens screws off, from the lens option pictures it seems like its 2 lenses screw back to back from the 120x to the 180x.

Yes, the barlow lens just screws off. So it should just be a matter of changing that.
 

Offline EEVblogTopic starter

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Re: EEVblog #1125 - Amazing $500 Soldering/Inspection Microscope!
« Reply #17 on: September 26, 2018, 10:51:13 am »
Not the only ones.  The Chinese Germany SMT company thing also claimed to have one as well. ( they claim a special high quality lenses )..  Seriously..    Looking forward to going and finding one of these at the next trip to the SEG.    If you are going to just blanetly copy stuff, you will get just get busted.  Esp on this forum where cynicism is normal.

Someone could make a good business reselling this camera with a kick arse lens and a good stand.
 

Offline taydin

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Re: EEVblog #1125 - Amazing $500 Soldering/Inspection Microscope!
« Reply #18 on: September 26, 2018, 12:12:04 pm »
I had bought the following HDMI camera from aliexpress, which is also 1080P, 60Hz

http://aliexpress.com/item/Professional-Digital-video-HD-1080p-high-frame-rate-HDMI-and-USB-microscope-camera-with-SONY-sensor/32464609452.html?spm=a2g0s.9042311.0.0.3da24c4dx7SIBP

I did attach this to a LuckyZoom microscope, but the field of view was very narrow, and the edges of the images were all washed out. I wasn't sure if it's the camera or the microscope. But Dave's camera seems to be very similar to the one I have (except mine doesn't have autofocus), so it seems the camera is OK, it must be the microscope's camera port optics ...

Here is a sample image:



« Last Edit: September 26, 2018, 12:13:57 pm by taydin »
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Offline taydin

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Re: EEVblog #1125 - Amazing $500 Soldering/Inspection Microscope!
« Reply #19 on: September 26, 2018, 12:15:19 pm »
Heck, if I stuck my Canon IXUS 800 into the viewfinder, that picture was much better  ;D

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Offline screwbreaker

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Re: EEVblog #1125 - Amazing $500 Soldering/Inspection Microscope!
« Reply #20 on: September 26, 2018, 01:05:22 pm »
Does the stand allow to turn the microscope to the side?

I'm looking for something to use with a system like this:


A preheater and an hot air gun on a stand.

I want something to help me to check when the solder start to melt.
 

Offline Herby

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Re: EEVblog #1125 - Amazing $500 Soldering/Inspection Microscope!
« Reply #21 on: September 26, 2018, 05:56:09 pm »
The search terms for the standalone less-magnification lens would be appreciated if anyone knows them.
Try "barlow lens".

In the case of the Eakins microscope Dave has bought, there is a thread at the bottom to mount an additional barlow lens on the sample side of the objective. A 0.5x barlow lens, for example, halves the magnification and doubles the working distance, which I really like for soldering with my stereo microscope. Eakins offers compatible barlow lenses at the link below. Make sure that whatever you buy for your microscope can be mounted properly to your optics. 

https://www.aliexpress.com/store/product/0-5X-2-0X-0-35X-Barlow-Auxiliary-Objective-Glass-Lens-For-XDC-10A-180X-300X/3200040_32845571497.html
 

Online BrianHG

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Re: EEVblog #1125 - Amazing $500 Soldering/Inspection Microscope!
« Reply #22 on: September 26, 2018, 07:48:33 pm »
Price is going up, surprise Dave factor.

Bought one with the link in the video and its $522.99 freedom bucks now.  Maybe its the Trump tariffs.

Must be Trump.  I just went to Aliexpress and it says 455$US.
Did you go to Aliexpress in 'Private Browsing' mode so you don't get the occasional higher fees, or, try using a VPN remote proxy connection through a different country like Canada?

I recently saw that if I use a VPN set to my destination location instead of where I live, when I book a return flight ticket from where I live to there and back, (yes, to the booking agent, it looks like I'm traveling backwards), browsing in a private window, I save 50-150$ per flight.
« Last Edit: September 26, 2018, 08:02:52 pm by BrianHG »
 

Online BrianHG

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Re: EEVblog #1125 - Amazing $500 Soldering/Inspection Microscope!
« Reply #23 on: September 26, 2018, 07:53:52 pm »
Cheaper, 400$ with 120x lens: Cheaper 400$usd, 120x lens

This one is a steal which has the stand AND lamp and a 180x, or 300x lens for 429$ : With stand and circular LED lamp for 429$
« Last Edit: September 26, 2018, 08:09:45 pm by BrianHG »
 

Offline mikeselectricstuff

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Re: EEVblog #1125 - Amazing $500 Soldering/Inspection Microscope!
« Reply #24 on: September 26, 2018, 07:54:24 pm »
What happened to "don't turn it on, take it apart!"?

Tear it down, Dave!  :)
+1
Would be interested to see what hardware the AF stuff is based on and if there are any options on the board - a simple AF enable/disable switch would be handy, maybe as a foot-switch.
 
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Offline Carrington

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Re: EEVblog #1125 - Amazing $500 Soldering/Inspection Microscope!
« Reply #25 on: September 26, 2018, 08:02:39 pm »
Someone knows if there is something similar but with an IMX385.
I had tested the IMX290 before, and it work great, but the IMX385 is even better.

My English can be pretty bad, so suggestions are welcome. ;)
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Offline Carrington

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Re: EEVblog #1125 - Amazing $500 Soldering/Inspection Microscope!
« Reply #26 on: September 26, 2018, 08:07:47 pm »
Check this table to compare:
My English can be pretty bad, so suggestions are welcome. ;)
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Offline tszaboo

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Re: EEVblog #1125 - Amazing $500 Soldering/Inspection Microscope!
« Reply #27 on: September 26, 2018, 08:15:02 pm »
Now I wonder, can this be placed on the top of a Trinocular microscope, and get best of both worlds?
I'm asking because there is one in the office, and it lacks the camera.
And after a quick check, there is a 15 EUR adapter. The company we bought the scope from (who likely is a local reseller of chinese goods) charges 400 EUR for the USB version, and they dont have any HDMI options.

In fact I'm confused. There seems to be way too cheap scopes on the aliexpress.
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/Trinocular-stereo-microscope-7-45X-Continuous-zoom-VGA-Industry-Microscope-Camera-Universal-bracket-56-LED-light/32817435475.html?ws_ab_test=searchweb0_0,searchweb201602_5_10065_10068_5726815_10843_10059_10884_10887_10696_100031_10084_10083_5726915_10103_10618_10304_10307_10820_10821_10302,searchweb201603_60,ppcSwitch_5&algo_expid=86293f82-5a33-432a-88a0-c740b1ae5230-35&algo_pvid=86293f82-5a33-432a-88a0-c740b1ae5230&priceBeautifyAB=0
This is 300 shipped. I know the camera is not the autofocus version, maybe there is a package which includes that type?
 

Offline thm_w

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Re: EEVblog #1125 - Amazing $500 Soldering/Inspection Microscope!
« Reply #28 on: September 26, 2018, 09:07:49 pm »
Now I wonder, can this be placed on the top of a Trinocular microscope, and get best of both worlds?
I'm asking because there is one in the office, and it lacks the camera.
And after a quick check, there is a 15 EUR adapter. The company we bought the scope from (who likely is a local reseller of chinese goods) charges 400 EUR for the USB version, and they dont have any HDMI options.

In fact I'm confused. There seems to be way too cheap scopes on the aliexpress.
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/Trinocular-stereo-microscope-7-45X-Continuous-zoom-VGA-Industry-Microscope-Camera-Universal-bracket-56-LED-light/32817435475.html
This is 300 shipped. I know the camera is not the autofocus version, maybe there is a package which includes that type?

Thats 720p 30fps, without any mouse control only direct buttons. Probably a completely different camera.
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Offline Mr.B

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Re: EEVblog #1125 - Amazing $500 Soldering/Inspection Microscope!
« Reply #29 on: September 26, 2018, 09:09:26 pm »
Damn you Dave... Now I must have one.
I have already spent this months budget on one of your differential probes. The microscope will have to wait until next month.
Fortunately next month is only next week...  >:D
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Offline richnormand

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Re: EEVblog #1125 - Amazing $500 Soldering/Inspection Microscope!
« Reply #30 on: September 26, 2018, 09:17:48 pm »
Nice camera and setup. I'll wait until the "Dave effect" passes and get one once the temporary price increase fades away.

Of note however are the several mentions of soldering.

Dave noted a threaded collar on the lens that I assume is of standard size. That would be ideal to put a standard camera UV or neutral no loss filter that is AR coated in front to protect the lens. :)
On my setup, used regularly for SMD rework and fine soldering work, I have to clean it about once a year due to smoke coating, flux sputter and recristalisation, residues and general crap.
I can use more aggressive cleaning that I would ever dare use on the actual lens, like acetone and IPA. If I really screw up, the filter is a lot cheaper than a lens. :palm:

Another comment, for soldering work I use a LOMO dissection stereo binocular microscope. It has two separate independent optical path that give a true magnified 3D image with about 4" working distance and a wide range of magnifications. That is quite useful when working.
There is a third path, from one of the optics channels, for TV spectators or recording with a camera.

The image I see are directly under the work area which is more natural than looking at a monitor sideways while you work with the tweezers or the soldering tip and there is no lag, (however small, I never got used to that).

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Offline mikeselectricstuff

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Re: EEVblog #1125 - Amazing $500 Soldering/Inspection Microscope!
« Reply #31 on: September 26, 2018, 09:20:53 pm »
What happened to "don't turn it on, take it apart!"?

Tear it down, Dave!  :)
+1
Would be interested to see what hardware the AF stuff is based on and if there are any options on the board - a simple AF enable/disable switch would be handy, maybe as a foot-switch.
I say footswitch as I think unwanted focus hunting when it sees the iron could be a significant problem for working under it
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Offline orion242

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Re: EEVblog #1125 - Amazing $500 Soldering/Inspection Microscope!
« Reply #32 on: September 27, 2018, 01:09:35 am »
Can this be adapted to an Amscope trinocular microscope?   Dump the lens and get the Amscope c mount adapter?
 
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Online BrianHG

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Re: EEVblog #1125 - Amazing $500 Soldering/Inspection Microscope!
« Reply #33 on: September 27, 2018, 01:27:49 am »
Nice camera and setup. I'll wait until the "Dave effect" passes and get one once the temporary price increase fades away.
What are you talking about, if you have read the thread, you will see the price dropped around 10% from these 2 Aliexpress suppliers I found here: https://www.eevblog.com/forum/blog/eevblog-1125-amazing-$500-solderinginspection-microscope!/msg1852202/#msg1852202
 

Offline orion242

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Re: EEVblog #1125 - Amazing $500 Soldering/Inspection Microscope!
« Reply #34 on: September 27, 2018, 02:44:39 am »
Nice camera and setup. I'll wait until the "Dave effect" passes and get one once the temporary price increase fades away.
What are you talking about, if you have read the thread, you will see the price dropped around 10% from these 2 Aliexpress suppliers I found here: https://www.eevblog.com/forum/blog/eevblog-1125-amazing-$500-solderinginspection-microscope!/msg1852202/#msg1852202

Using the link in Daves's video...  Shipping was included, but it was well over $500 freedom bucks at the time I pulled the trigger shortly after the video.  I roll private mode on FF 100% with noscript and ad blockers, not sure if that gives me the special price.  If it does, would certainly like to know.

« Last Edit: September 27, 2018, 03:09:19 am by orion242 »
 

Offline Mr.B

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Re: EEVblog #1125 - Amazing $500 Soldering/Inspection Microscope!
« Reply #35 on: September 27, 2018, 03:08:12 am »
USD 455 for the microscope for me using Daves link.
[Total USD 680.75 includes extras and freight.]
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Offline orion242

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Re: EEVblog #1125 - Amazing $500 Soldering/Inspection Microscope!
« Reply #36 on: September 27, 2018, 03:11:25 am »
Seems aliexpress is extracting what they think they can from each customer then.  Total BS!  You got everything I wanted at little more than I paid for the cam & lens.  Guess I need to whip out VPNs and PO boxes...
« Last Edit: September 27, 2018, 03:15:29 am by orion242 »
 

Online BrianHG

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Re: EEVblog #1125 - Amazing $500 Soldering/Inspection Microscope!
« Reply #37 on: September 27, 2018, 03:37:33 am »
Nice camera and setup. I'll wait until the "Dave effect" passes and get one once the temporary price increase fades away.
What are you talking about, if you have read the thread, you will see the price dropped around 10% from these 2 Aliexpress suppliers I found here: https://www.eevblog.com/forum/blog/eevblog-1125-amazing-$500-solderinginspection-microscope!/msg1852202/#msg1852202

Using the link in Daves's video...  Shipping was included, but it was well over $500 freedom bucks at the time I pulled the trigger shortly after the video.  I roll private mode on FF 100% with noscript and ad blockers, not sure if that gives me the special price.  If it does, would certainly like to know.

PLEASE READ EVERYTHING YOU ARE GETTING AND AT WHAT PRICE, INCLUDING SHIPPING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  We are engineers here and this comparing products and all the features plus hidden loopholes, like forced to pay shipping for 1 part and not the others shouldn't be a problem for us.  If there is a different cost to you I don't know about, then, please let me know.

DAVES LINK, 455$, shipping included, 180x LENS, NO camera lamp, NO holder vertical table stand... Dave has a separate link for the table and for that table stand you need to pay shipping because of the stand's package size.

MY LINK #1, 400$ US, shipping included, 120x LENS instead of the closer 180x lens,  NO camera lamp, NO holder vertical table stand...

MY LINK #2, 429$ US + 59$ shipping for 488$ total, choice of 180x lens or 300x lens, INCLUDES Table Stand, INCLUDES lens mounted microscope lamp.

If you want that table with the vertical arm to hold the camera, you will always need to pay for shipping.  Dave's links do not contain a lamp for the microscope.  My 2 links are a legitimate deals.

We are engineers here, read and analyze the links I provide you with and you will get everything your want and need at the best price.  If you do not read, you will buy just the camera, then have to find a separate table holder, have the shipping for the table on 1 item, and once you buy everything a-la-carte separate, you still wont have the microscope lamp and everything will arrive at different times.
« Last Edit: September 27, 2018, 05:14:10 am by BrianHG »
 
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Online BrianHG

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Re: EEVblog #1125 - Amazing $500 Soldering/Inspection Microscope!
« Reply #38 on: September 27, 2018, 04:03:56 am »
Note that a valid tradeoff is my 400$ camera with the 120x lens is a fixed zoom.
The 429$ camera + shipping has a variable zoom lens.  It's table mount holds the camera vertically.  The other more expensive table has a second horizontal sideways arm.
 

Offline DEHiCKA

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Re: EEVblog #1125 - Amazing $500 Soldering/Inspection Microscope!
« Reply #39 on: September 27, 2018, 04:44:53 pm »
Here is another interesting one, AF + integated optics + motorized zoom:


http://www.lapsun.com/autofocus-optics-lens-1080p-60fps-hdmi-auto-focus-industrial-microscope-camera_p1510.html

FOV @ min FD 10 cm:
Max zoom:  24.3x13.5 mm
Min zoom:   171x92 mm

~$600 in China.

« Last Edit: September 27, 2018, 05:18:56 pm by DEHiCKA »
 
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Offline thm_w

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Re: EEVblog #1125 - Amazing $500 Soldering/Inspection Microscope!
« Reply #40 on: September 27, 2018, 07:53:49 pm »
Here is another interesting one, AF + integated optics + motorized zoom:

http://www.lapsun.com/autofocus-optics-lens-1080p-60fps-hdmi-auto-focus-industrial-microscope-camera_p1510.html

FOV @ min FD 10 cm:
Max zoom:  24.3x13.5 mm
Min zoom:   171x92 mm

~$600 in China.

Their software looks identical as well:



and it has some I/O connector.
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Offline mikeselectricstuff

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Re: EEVblog #1125 - Amazing $500 Soldering/Inspection Microscope!
« Reply #41 on: September 27, 2018, 08:31:35 pm »
What's the I/O connector for?
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Offline DEHiCKA

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Re: EEVblog #1125 - Amazing $500 Soldering/Inspection Microscope!
« Reply #42 on: September 27, 2018, 08:36:04 pm »
What's the I/O connector for?
Did not find any info. I hope it is for the zoom and AF/MF control.
 

Offline EEVblogTopic starter

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Re: EEVblog #1125 - Amazing $500 Soldering/Inspection Microscope!
« Reply #43 on: September 28, 2018, 01:04:56 am »
Thats 720p 30fps, without any mouse control only direct buttons. Probably a completely different camera.

Yes, be very careful, there are a dozen different model and brands that look almost identical but perform entirely differently.
 

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Re: EEVblog #1125 - Amazing $500 Soldering/Inspection Microscope!
« Reply #44 on: September 28, 2018, 01:09:43 am »
Here is another interesting one, AF + integated optics + motorized zoom:


http://www.lapsun.com/autofocus-optics-lens-1080p-60fps-hdmi-auto-focus-industrial-microscope-camera_p1510.html

FOV @ min FD 10 cm:
Max zoom:  24.3x13.5 mm
Min zoom:   171x92 mm

~$600 in China.

Ok, now were're talking in terms of matching the Targano, both physical form factor and zoom. Although the Targano does a nominal x40 zoom.
 

Offline mrpackethead

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Re: EEVblog #1125 - Amazing $500 Soldering/Inspection Microscope!
« Reply #45 on: September 28, 2018, 01:28:07 am »
Dave you have to go to China and visit the SEG and all those places.    You'd be like a 7 year old in a lolly shop.  You would find so many things.



Here is another interesting one, AF + integated optics + motorized zoom:


http://www.lapsun.com/autofocus-optics-lens-1080p-60fps-hdmi-auto-focus-industrial-microscope-camera_p1510.html

FOV @ min FD 10 cm:
Max zoom:  24.3x13.5 mm
Min zoom:   171x92 mm

~$600 in China.

Ok, now were're talking in terms of matching the Targano, both physical form factor and zoom. Although the Targano does a nominal x40 zoom.
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Offline mikeselectricstuff

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Re: EEVblog #1125 - Amazing $500 Soldering/Inspection Microscope!
« Reply #46 on: September 28, 2018, 09:33:16 am »
Dave you have to go to China and visit the SEG and all those places.    You'd be like a 7 year old in a lolly shop.  You would find so many things.
Absolutely - on the first day your head will just explode.
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Offline mrpackethead

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Re: EEVblog #1125 - Amazing $500 Soldering/Inspection Microscope!
« Reply #47 on: September 28, 2018, 10:03:08 am »
Dave you have to go to China and visit the SEG and all those places.    You'd be like a 7 year old in a lolly shop.  You would find so many things.
Absolutely - on the first day your head will just explode.

I'd go up to Shenzhen just to watch Daves head go boom.   @dAVE, if your up for it, could take you to the SEG and a few other more 'off' the beaten track markets, that are even more crazy.   Theres a hundred videos to be made.
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Offline mikeselectricstuff

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Re: EEVblog #1125 - Amazing $500 Soldering/Inspection Microscope!
« Reply #48 on: September 28, 2018, 11:05:56 am »
Make it a family holiday - dump the wife & kids in Hong Kong and head to Shenzen on the train.
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Offline Bud

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Re: EEVblog #1125 - Amazing $500 Soldering/Inspection Microscope!
« Reply #49 on: September 28, 2018, 11:25:12 am »
And bring with you your bunny suit and a bottle of desinfectant. Judging on the photos someone posted this place is incredibly filthy.
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Offline LapTop006

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Re: EEVblog #1125 - Amazing $500 Soldering/Inspection Microscope!
« Reply #50 on: September 28, 2018, 02:34:58 pm »
And bring with you your bunny suit and a bottle of desinfectant. Judging on the photos someone posted this place is incredibly filthy.

I found Hong Kong no worse than some US cities (certain parts of San Francisco spring to mind).
 

Offline EEVblogTopic starter

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Re: EEVblog #1125 - Amazing $500 Soldering/Inspection Microscope!
« Reply #51 on: September 28, 2018, 02:53:33 pm »
Make it a family holiday - dump the wife & kids in Hong Kong and head to Shenzen on the train.

I suspect you don't have a wife and kids  ;D
 

Online Brumby

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Re: EEVblog #1125 - Amazing $500 Soldering/Inspection Microscope!
« Reply #52 on: September 28, 2018, 03:25:10 pm »
Yeah....

Go on a "holiday" and abandon the wife with the kids and see how long you spend in the doghouse - and that's after the lecture series and ... "the look".

Such an exercise could be investigated as attempted suicide.
 

Offline Ysjoelfir

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Re: EEVblog #1125 - Amazing $500 Soldering/Inspection Microscope!
« Reply #53 on: September 28, 2018, 04:05:07 pm »
MY LINK #2, 429$ US + 59$ shipping for 488$ total, choice of 180x lens or 300x lens, INCLUDES Table Stand, INCLUDES lens mounted microscope lamp.

Bought that. The seller suggested to send it via UK for free customs clearance, then redirect it to germany. Sounds a bit wonky, but hey, it's a bargain, isn't it?
By the way: Don't tell SWMBO where the 500€ from my savings went....  :scared:
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Offline Towger

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Re: EEVblog #1125 - Amazing $500 Soldering/Inspection Microscope!
« Reply #54 on: September 28, 2018, 08:05:22 pm »
Just buy the camera and famous blue multimeter at the same time, then you only get one session of the doghouse, lecture and look.
 

Offline TheDefpom

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Re: EEVblog #1125 - Amazing $500 Soldering/Inspection Microscope!
« Reply #55 on: September 28, 2018, 10:10:12 pm »
Just buy the camera and famous blue multimeter at the same time, then you only get one session of the doghouse, lecture and look.

And the HVP...

I just bought one, it arrived yesterday, it’s been an expensive month.
Cheers Scott

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Offline MT

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Re: EEVblog #1125 - Amazing $500 Soldering/Inspection Microscope!
« Reply #56 on: September 28, 2018, 10:47:52 pm »
How is the Andonstar ADSM302 anyone using it?
 

Offline MT

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Re: EEVblog #1125 - Amazing $500 Soldering/Inspection Microscope!
« Reply #57 on: September 28, 2018, 11:47:35 pm »
The us$500 "many names" camera manufacturer seams to be ToupTek.
http://www.touptek.com/product/
http://www.touptek.com/product/showproduct.php?lang=en&id=217
« Last Edit: September 28, 2018, 11:54:28 pm by MT »
 
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Offline smbaker

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Re: EEVblog #1125 - Amazing $500 Soldering/Inspection Microscope!
« Reply #58 on: October 02, 2018, 04:19:27 pm »
So what is the soldering experience like under one of these compared to a typical stereo microscope like an amscope? My eyes being what they are, I need bright lights and magnification even to do through-hole soldering these days. As such when I work on a project, I sit hunched over the amscope for a bit and it becomes tedious. The Camera+monitor approach I assume would lessen the need to hunch over. Is a small screen closer to the eyes better, or is a large screen further away better? Does the autofocus try to refocus as one moves the soldering iron about?

Is adding an 0.5x or 0.35x barlow the way to go for better field / working distance / less magnification? or should one buy the 120X lens instead?

Also, for what it's worth I found AliExpress very difficult to navigate and make sense of. Even while starting out on www.aliexpress.com in English I would occasionally get kicked over to es.aliexpress.com and switch to alternate languages. Different prices at different times for what seemed like the same or very similar items. Sometimes it took careful reading or starting at the picture to note what is different.

Thanks,
Scott
 

Online voltsandjolts

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Re: EEVblog #1125 - Amazing $500 Soldering/Inspection Microscope!
« Reply #59 on: October 02, 2018, 05:32:33 pm »
The us$500 "many names" camera manufacturer seams to be ToupTek.
http://www.touptek.com/product/
http://www.touptek.com/product/showproduct.php?lang=en&id=217

I think this is the Sony IMX290 (60fps/1920x1080, 2.9um pixels ) camera we are mostly talking about here
http://www.touptek.com/product/showproduct.php?lang=en&id=217

They also have a camera using the IMX249, which has 60fps/1920x1080, big pixels (5.8um) and global shutter which seem like nice features for a mscope...but I can't find it for sale anywhere.
http://www.touptek.com/product/showproduct.php?lang=en&id=272
 

Offline mikeselectricstuff

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Re: EEVblog #1125 - Amazing $500 Soldering/Inspection Microscope!
« Reply #60 on: October 02, 2018, 05:43:38 pm »
The us$500 "many names" camera manufacturer seams to be ToupTek.
http://www.touptek.com/product/
http://www.touptek.com/product/showproduct.php?lang=en&id=217

I think this is the Sony IMX290 (60fps/1920x1080, 2.9um pixels ) camera we are mostly talking about here
http://www.touptek.com/product/showproduct.php?lang=en&id=217

that's not auto-focus, this is the autofocus one
http://www.touptek.com/product/showproduct.php?lang=en&id=286
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Online voltsandjolts

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Re: EEVblog #1125 - Amazing $500 Soldering/Inspection Microscope!
« Reply #61 on: October 02, 2018, 05:53:38 pm »
Ah, thanks Mike.
I think I get it now, XFCAM pn's are autofocus and that one you linked is their only autofocus hdmi camera.
It's confusing because there are so many resellers with misleading info e.g. autofocus IMX290 cameras but if that is true they can't be made by this manufacturer (touptek).
 

Offline Bud

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Re: EEVblog #1125 - Amazing $500 Soldering/Inspection Microscope!
« Reply #62 on: October 02, 2018, 07:29:02 pm »
A tip from an eBay seller: "F" in the part number means autofocus.
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Offline MT

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Re: EEVblog #1125 - Amazing $500 Soldering/Inspection Microscope!
« Reply #63 on: October 03, 2018, 10:42:33 am »
Ah, thanks Mike.
I think I get it now, XFCAM pn's are autofocus and that one you linked is their only autofocus hdmi camera.
It's confusing because there are so many resellers with misleading info e.g. autofocus IMX290 cameras but if that is true they can't be made by this manufacturer (touptek).

Well, texts are misleading for sure from many , even on purpose perhaps, to distinguish them self's from ToupTek since i cant find anyone other manufacturer for this type of case and design, so far!
 

Offline Astrodev

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Re: EEVblog #1125 - Amazing $500 Soldering/Inspection Microscope!
« Reply #64 on: October 07, 2018, 01:14:31 am »
For anyone that really wants some fun.

Go to the Ali website put the items on your watch list then switch to the mobile app put them in the cart and process as far as payment, if you switch back to the website to complete the order you still get them at the mobile price which is less than on the website.


Saved an extra £10 on the package doing it that way, so with the other discounts saved about 2/3 of the shipping.
 
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Offline Thetatronics

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Re: EEVblog #1125 - Amazing $500 Soldering/Inspection Microscope!
« Reply #65 on: October 11, 2018, 09:17:48 am »
Mine has just turned up, it was on a 7-10 day delivery and took 14 days to arrive.  I ordered this version https://www.aliexpress.com/item/Autofocus-1080P-60FPS-SONY-SENSOR-IXM290-HDMI-Video-Industry-Auto-Focus-Microscope-Camera-180X-Lens-Work/32867141063.html?spm=a2g0s.9042311.0.0.3c5b4c4dTK5Gn2 which gives you

1 x Microscope Camera
1 x Power supply(AU/EU)
1 x HDMI Cable
1 x USB Mouse
1 x 180X Zoom C-mount Lens
1 x Camera Big Stand
1 x 144 LED Ring Light

I also ordered the other two lenses which were on a 30-60 day delivery, but I was surprised to find that they had also been packed in with the camera - so that was good.
The power supply for the camera and the USB mouse were DOA, but they looked so cheap and crappy that I was going to replace them anyway, so no major problem.
There were no documents at all for any of the kit, so it took a few minutes to work out how to assemble the stand, but it's not that difficult. 

But once powered up I was impressed by the image quality and the autofocus.  The LED ring does help to reduce noise on the video.  I had always wanted a decent inspection camera and for £550 UK I pounds I think this is a bargain.


 

Offline TheDefpom

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Re: EEVblog #1125 - Amazing $500 Soldering/Inspection Microscope!
« Reply #66 on: October 11, 2018, 10:20:16 am »
The lens I ordered 4 days after buying the microscope has arrived, no sign of the microscope yet though, I haven’t even heard from nz customs yet about paying duty on it.
Cheers Scott

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Offline Mr.B

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Re: EEVblog #1125 - Amazing $500 Soldering/Inspection Microscope!
« Reply #67 on: October 11, 2018, 06:42:01 pm »
Mine turned up yesterday.
The seller had packaged all the extras (lenses, light ring) in the same DHL box.
I didn't have to pay any tax on the way in as the seller had incorrectly declared the contents and value.  >:D
I will assemble and test tomorrow (weekend) and then post a pic in the 'what did you buy today' thread.
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Offline mikeselectricstuff

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Re: EEVblog #1125 - Amazing $500 Soldering/Inspection Microscope!
« Reply #68 on: October 11, 2018, 10:35:05 pm »
Still waiting for some internal pics...
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Offline Mr.B

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Re: EEVblog #1125 - Amazing $500 Soldering/Inspection Microscope!
« Reply #69 on: October 11, 2018, 11:09:08 pm »
Still waiting for some internal pics...

I will see what I can do over the weekend.
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Offline Finbarry

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Re: EEVblog #1125 - Amazing $500 Soldering/Inspection Microscope!
« Reply #70 on: October 12, 2018, 02:29:57 pm »
I've received mine just yesterday and I am very satisfied with it.

I threw out the metal base plate and mounted the vertical column directly to my bench. The camera is a lot more stable this way.
I managed to play the video files with VLC no problem. The camera takes a FAT32 (must be FAT32) formatted 64GB micro SD card without a problem.

I am trying to figure out a way to get more out of the firmware. It must be linux based. The mainboard is based on the Hi3516A SoC made by HiSilicon (Datasheet: http://www.hisilicon.com/-/media/Hisilicon/pdf/Surveillance_mobilecam/Hi3516AV100.pdf)
This chipset was originally designed for IP-Surveillance cameras and seems to be quite powerfull.
There is a set of three pins names J50 that are not populated, maybe they are some kind of debug output or even a linux console. I'll probe them later.
The HDMI transmitter is a SII9022ACNU made by Lattice (Datasheet: https://datasheet.ciiva.com/26836/getdatasheetpartid-368235-26836796.pdf)


I've attached a couple of photos of my setup, the main PCB and a few sample shots to this post.

Images:

Main PCB
Top: https://s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/cdn.hog-duske.com/manual/microscope-camera-2018-10/images/board-main_top.jpg
Bottom: https://s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/cdn.hog-duske.com/manual/microscope-camera-2018-10/images/board-main_bottom.jpg

Motor and sensor assembly
Whole assembly: https://s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/cdn.hog-duske.com/manual/microscope-camera-2018-10/images/assembly-motor_sensor.JPG
Sensor board inside the assembly: https://s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/cdn.hog-duske.com/manual/microscope-camera-2018-10/images/board-sensor.JPG

My setup
Full setup: https://s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/cdn.hog-duske.com/manual/microscope-camera-2018-10/images/setup-full.JPG
Mounting arm: https://s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/cdn.hog-duske.com/manual/microscope-camera-2018-10/images/setup-mounting_arm.JPG

Sample images
Lowest magnification: https://s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/cdn.hog-duske.com/manual/microscope-camera-2018-10/images/samples-lowest_mag.jpg
Highest magnification: https://s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/cdn.hog-duske.com/manual/microscope-camera-2018-10/images/samples-highest_mag.jpg
The samples were captured directly on to the SD card using the camera. Working distance was about 100mm.
 
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Offline mikeselectricstuff

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Re: EEVblog #1125 - Amazing $500 Soldering/Inspection Microscope!
« Reply #71 on: October 12, 2018, 02:48:04 pm »
Thanks!
Wonder what that unpopulated FFC connector is for - LCD?
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Offline Finbarry

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Re: EEVblog #1125 - Amazing $500 Soldering/Inspection Microscope!
« Reply #72 on: October 12, 2018, 02:52:48 pm »
Thanks!

Sure, no big deal.


Wonder what that unpopulated FFC connector is for - LCD?
It could well be an LCD connector.
It might also be an alternative connector for the sensor when using a different enclosure.
 

Offline Carrington

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Re: EEVblog #1125 - Amazing $500 Soldering/Inspection Microscope!
« Reply #73 on: October 12, 2018, 03:02:22 pm »
I am trying to figure out a way to get more out of the firmware. It must be linux based. The mainboard is based on the Hi3516A SoC made by
Just find a serial port, J50 maybe. I have the original Hisilicon SDK somewhere.

Edited to clarify some things:
Even though is easy to find new SDK versions on the Internet, additional drivers will be needed to get something functional.
For example, to my knowledge, even the latest versions come without a driver for the IMX290/291.

« Last Edit: October 12, 2018, 05:54:23 pm by Carrington »
My English can be pretty bad, so suggestions are welcome. ;)
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Offline mikeselectricstuff

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Re: EEVblog #1125 - Amazing $500 Soldering/Inspection Microscope!
« Reply #74 on: October 12, 2018, 03:15:43 pm »
I wonder if it can load firmware from a USB stick
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Offline Carrington

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Re: EEVblog #1125 - Amazing $500 Soldering/Inspection Microscope!
« Reply #75 on: October 12, 2018, 03:27:56 pm »
Probably you can do it via USB and SD card too, for IP cameras, LAN is the easy way.
IP cameras based on Hi3516A are easy to mod, and a lot more cheap.  ;)
The problem is the delay via LAN, and the zoom/auto focus, they require totally different lenses.

For example: https://hupuu.com/camera/ipcb-3516as291-d29-et9-1080p-50fps-1-2.8-2mp-sony-imx291-hi3516a-ip-starlight-security-cctv?sku=CBF-D29
Manufacturer: http://www.jvt.cc/S291H16A-L29.html

Note: Edited to clarify some things.
« Last Edit: October 12, 2018, 05:57:21 pm by Carrington »
My English can be pretty bad, so suggestions are welcome. ;)
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Offline Finbarry

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Re: EEVblog #1125 - Amazing $500 Soldering/Inspection Microscope!
« Reply #76 on: October 12, 2018, 03:52:23 pm »
I am trying to figure out a way to get more out of the firmware. It must be linux based. The mainboard is based on the Hi3516A SoC made by
Just find a serial port, J50 maybe. I have the original Hisilicon SDK somewhere.

I'll check J50 after the weekend when I'm back in my workshop.
I will post an update about my findings then.
 

Offline smbaker

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Re: EEVblog #1125 - Amazing $500 Soldering/Inspection Microscope!
« Reply #77 on: October 12, 2018, 05:41:04 pm »
Cheaper, 400$ with 120x lens: Cheaper 400$usd, 120x lens

This one is a steal which has the stand AND lamp and a 180x, or 300x lens for 429$ : With stand and circular LED lamp for 429$

Wow, the shipping sure goes through the roof if you switch from camera+lens to camera+lens+stand.

What other options are there for a stand for one of these things?
 

Offline Mr.B

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Re: EEVblog #1125 - Amazing $500 Soldering/Inspection Microscope!
« Reply #78 on: October 13, 2018, 04:44:13 am »
I have just set mine up.
I was going to do a teardown with photos, but I see @Finbarry has beaten me to it.
I am reasonably impressed with it.
My setup below.
I approach the thinking of all of my posts using AI in the first instance. (Awkward Irregularity)
 
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Online voltsandjolts

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Re: EEVblog #1125 - Amazing $500 Soldering/Inspection Microscope!
« Reply #79 on: October 13, 2018, 07:36:34 pm »
As an alternative, has anyone tried a microscope setup using a digital SLR with HDMI out?
e.g. Nikon D3400 (with 60fps HDMI) + C-mount adapter + lens
Costs look comparable on ebay, with the advantage that you also have a SLR.

Ahh, maybe you don't get auto focus when the SLR mirror is up for 'liveview video'.
 

Offline mikeselectricstuff

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Re: EEVblog #1125 - Amazing $500 Soldering/Inspection Microscope!
« Reply #80 on: October 13, 2018, 07:53:23 pm »
Latency may be an issue with dslr, not so much of an issue for inspection but can be a big pain for working under
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Offline smbaker

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Re: EEVblog #1125 - Amazing $500 Soldering/Inspection Microscope!
« Reply #81 on: October 14, 2018, 04:15:46 am »
As an alternative, has anyone tried a microscope setup using a digital SLR with HDMI out?
e.g. Nikon D3400 (with 60fps HDMI) + C-mount adapter + lens
Costs look comparable on ebay, with the advantage that you also have a SLR.

Ahh, maybe you don't get auto focus when the SLR mirror is up for 'liveview video'.

I've shot still images and video on a trinocular amscope with my Canon t6i (and t2i before that). I've not tried viewing the HDMI out while recording, but the recorded image when I play it back on my PC is great, though the field of view is significantly less than what I see through the eyepiece. What this doesn't achieve is any sort of autofocus. The focusing mechanism is inside the camera lens, and that lens is removed and replaced with the microscope adapter. You can set the trinocular microscope up so that the camera is in focus when the eyepieces are in focus, but still if you tilt the board or you zoom the microscope, you have to fuss with the focus. IMO autofocus is the biggest advantage to the Eakins setup in Dave's video.

I pulled the trigger Friday evening and ordered the Eakins setup. I picked the package that includes the stand and the small LCD monitor (another small LCD monitor will always come in handy). I also purchased an 0.35 barlow that I'm going to try with it to see how much it improves the field of view. I've also ordered a c-mount adapter so I can try mounting the Eakins directly to my amscope and compare that to the lens that ships with the Eakins. The Eakins hasn't shipped yet, but I'll respond with my impressions when it eventually arrives.

Ali Express triggered fraud alerts on both the credit cards I tried to use, led to some grief trying to place the order. My order is currently in "being verified" state. I guess the lack of trust between Visa and AliExpress is mutual.

Scott
« Last Edit: October 14, 2018, 04:20:24 am by smbaker »
 

Offline Astrodev

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Re: EEVblog #1125 - Amazing $500 Soldering/Inspection Microscope!
« Reply #82 on: October 15, 2018, 10:50:47 pm »
I was looking forward to trying one of these out today, but for some reason the package that was supposed to contain the bits I ordered got delivered to someone in France this morning and not the UK.

With a bit of luck it was only an error in the tracking number and it is still on route but I am not holding out much hope as the AliExpress tracking shows it as enroute to the UK.


I have sent them a message to ask what is going on so I will have to wait and suspect it will now be another week at least before I get one to play with.
 

Offline Hydron

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Re: EEVblog #1125 - Amazing $500 Soldering/Inspection Microscope!
« Reply #83 on: October 16, 2018, 11:37:48 am »
Latency may be an issue with dslr, not so much of an issue for inspection but can be a big pain for working under
I've had a play using a bodged together dslr+HDMI macro rig as a possible soldering setup. Latency was OK with my cameras (EOS M and M5) but there were other problems:
- You have to muck about to try and get a reasonable aperture (wide open does not give enough depth of field). Aperture setting will not necessarily apply in live-view mode, only when you actually take a pic.
- video output was stuck at 720p/1080i depending on the camera (and that's after pissing about with the monitor's EDID EEPROM to add specific resolutions that the cameras liked, otherwise they spat out SD)
- the output is not native sensor resolution either (they do pixel skipping and stuff), so you're not getting the best out of the camera

I'm not completely giving up on doing things this way, but it's clearly easier going the aliexpress camera route!
 
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Offline orion242

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Re: EEVblog #1125 - Amazing $500 Soldering/Inspection Microscope!
« Reply #84 on: October 19, 2018, 02:42:53 am »
Nice camera and setup. I'll wait until the "Dave effect" passes and get one once the temporary price increase fades away.
What are you talking about, if you have read the thread, you will see the price dropped around 10% from these 2 Aliexpress suppliers I found here: https://www.eevblog.com/forum/blog/eevblog-1125-amazing-$500-solderinginspection-microscope!/msg1852202/#msg1852202

Using the link in Daves's video...  Shipping was included, but it was well over $500 freedom bucks at the time I pulled the trigger shortly after the video.  I roll private mode on FF 100% with noscript and ad blockers, not sure if that gives me the special price.  If it does, would certainly like to know.

PLEASE READ EVERYTHING YOU ARE GETTING AND AT WHAT PRICE, INCLUDING SHIPPING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  We are engineers here and this comparing products and all the features plus hidden loopholes, like forced to pay shipping for 1 part and not the others shouldn't be a problem for us.  If there is a different cost to you I don't know about, then, please let me know.

DAVES LINK, 455$, shipping included, 180x LENS, NO camera lamp, NO holder vertical table stand... Dave has a separate link for the table and for that table stand you need to pay shipping because of the stand's package size.

MY LINK #1, 400$ US, shipping included, 120x LENS instead of the closer 180x lens,  NO camera lamp, NO holder vertical table stand...

MY LINK #2, 429$ US + 59$ shipping for 488$ total, choice of 180x lens or 300x lens, INCLUDES Table Stand, INCLUDES lens mounted microscope lamp.

If you want that table with the vertical arm to hold the camera, you will always need to pay for shipping.  Dave's links do not contain a lamp for the microscope.  My 2 links are a legitimate deals.

We are engineers here, read and analyze the links I provide you with and you will get everything your want and need at the best price.  If you do not read, you will buy just the camera, then have to find a separate table holder, have the shipping for the table on 1 item, and once you buy everything a-la-carte separate, you still wont have the microscope lamp and everything will arrive at different times.

Well Mr. Engineer, long story short...

The original order took more than 7 days to even ship.  I requested they cancel the order at that point.  Two days later the seller responded and in all fairness refunded claiming Chinese holiday.  After that refund went though, I hit your "With stand and circular LED lamp for 429$" link.  I didn't catch this is the same seller.  Felt a bit douchie re-ordering a better priced package after canceling.  I paid for DHL and sure enough it shipped withing 48hrs and came in short order.

Package as received, is missing the lens totally and I have 50% of the base.  I have the horizontal bar and hardware only.  Nothing to adapt the missing lens to it let alone the base and vertical support.  Looking at what I have, the base is prob worth the price but total crap to my amscope setup I have now.  Amscope vertical and horizontal supports are solid metal, this horizontal support is hollow and full of rust.  Aka, take off the end cap off to assemble and 1-2 grams of rust fall out.

At this point, I'll have to quote AvE.  Time to piss with the cock you got.

Not wasting my time with the seller anymore.  They refunded me in full (though by paypal so I incurred a fee from those parasites) once already.  Its aliexpress and just another layer of hell deeper than ebay.  Sometimes you win, sometimes you don't.

The camera alone is pretty awesome for the price.  I mainly though it would be a perfect replacement to my current amscope camera.  Using it as advertised would have been ok, but doesn't really fit my lab.  I have a 4' hood for soldering and there isn't room for a stereo microscope and this as a standalone setup.

I have it on my amscope with a 0.5x adapter.  Mag is still too high for what's ideal, but its usable and a 5x improvement from the cam I had.  Find the right optics and adapters this thing is still gold for the price.

If anyone wants a Amscope MC300 camera, its yours if you cover shipping.  PM me.  This cam needs lots of light but takes pretty good images.  I use it with amscope's brightest led ring and its fine until I'm working a the max mag level.  Biggest complaint...its never in focus with the eye piece so I have to piss around before taking pics.  Not the end of the world but annoying.
« Last Edit: October 19, 2018, 03:40:20 am by orion242 »
 

Offline smbaker

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Re: EEVblog #1125 - Amazing $500 Soldering/Inspection Microscope!
« Reply #85 on: October 19, 2018, 06:01:49 am »
Received mine today, ordered boom stand + camera + base + LCD monitor + ring light. Also ordered an 0.35 barlow that screws onto the bottom. Everything was there, though I was worried for a bit things were missing -- some parts to the base were packaged inside the box the held the LCD monitor.

The 12V 1A wall-wart included for the LCD monitor is insufficient to power the monitor. It just sort of blinks on and off when in HDMI mode. Tried my own 12V 1.5A wall wart and the monitor worked fine. What the hell? Whoever put these packages together didn't check to see if the wall-wart can power the LCD? It's not like I don't have plenty of wall-warts, but still....

The boom stand is capable but greatly inferior to the boom stand on my amscope trinocular microscope. The tube diameters are smaller. The metal feels thinner. The base seems to weight less. Took me a little while to figure out how to put it together.

The mouse locked up once and the pointer wouldn't move. Not sure if this was a mouse problem or a camera problem.

The autofocus tends to hunt back and forth a lot more than I'd like. To make this usable, I'm definitely going to need to find a way to easily toggle autofocus on and off. I've been thinking a "Pi Zero W" in USB gadget mode emulating a mouse might do it. It looks like one could reliably home the mouse cursor, then move a preprogrammed distance to hit the autofocus and manual focus buttons.

Tried the camera mounted directly to a C-Mount adapter and placed on the photoport of my Amscope trinocular microscope. Working distance in this configuration was crazy small and unusable, like an inch or two. Maybe I need to include some additional optical element between the photoport and camera? I'm not an optics guy, I just stick things together and assume they'll work.

The 0.35 Barlow on the supplied lens (not on my Amscope) makes the working distance crazy big. Seems approximately 8" on zoom-out, and 14" (hard to say, I had to pick the thing up off the stand, and hold it in my hand) on zoom-in. This would probably be useful soldering at the lowest magnification, but neuters most of the zoom capability. Maybe I need to play with it a bit more, and get the distance set to the sweet spot to maximize the zoom capability with the barlow attached.

Scott
« Last Edit: October 19, 2018, 06:16:53 am by smbaker »
 

Offline smbaker

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Re: EEVblog #1125 - Amazing $500 Soldering/Inspection Microscope!
« Reply #86 on: October 19, 2018, 03:16:33 pm »
I have it on my amscope with a 0.5x adapter.  Mag is still too high for what's ideal, but its usable and a 5x improvement from the cam I had.

Could you post a picture and/or part numbers of what you've used to mount this to your Amscope? I'd really like to get this working on mine, and toss the stand that came with the Eakins.

Scott
 

Offline thm_w

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Re: EEVblog #1125 - Amazing $500 Soldering/Inspection Microscope!
« Reply #87 on: October 19, 2018, 07:54:45 pm »
Not wasting my time with the seller anymore.  They refunded me in full (though by paypal so I incurred a fee from those parasites) once already.  Its aliexpress and just another layer of hell deeper than ebay.  Sometimes you win, sometimes you don't.

You use the "dispute" function or "cancel order" on aliexpress, and the refund will be to your original form of payment with no fees.
Not sure how you managed to get a refund directly from the seller like that..
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Offline orion242

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Re: EEVblog #1125 - Amazing $500 Soldering/Inspection Microscope!
« Reply #88 on: October 20, 2018, 02:14:31 am »
Not wasting my time with the seller anymore.  They refunded me in full (though by paypal so I incurred a fee from those parasites) once already.  Its aliexpress and just another layer of hell deeper than ebay.  Sometimes you win, sometimes you don't.

You use the "dispute" function or "cancel order" on aliexpress, and the refund will be to your original form of payment with no fees.
Not sure how you managed to get a refund directly from the seller like that..

Seller refunded in paypal, I purchased with CC.  To purchase in paypal on alihell I got dinged a ~$20 fee for the new order.

So I paid extra for DHL and hit with the paypal adder, the total came out to a few bucks more than my initial order. 

I wanted the camera and got it.  Its great, the rest of the addons are trash IMO.  Bare in mind I don't have the lens.
« Last Edit: October 20, 2018, 02:19:55 am by orion242 »
 

Offline orion242

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Re: EEVblog #1125 - Amazing $500 Soldering/Inspection Microscope!
« Reply #89 on: October 20, 2018, 02:47:48 am »
I have it on my amscope with a 0.5x adapter.  Mag is still too high for what's ideal, but its usable and a 5x improvement from the cam I had.

Could you post a picture and/or part numbers of what you've used to mount this to your Amscope? I'd really like to get this working on mine, and toss the stand that came with the Eakins.

Scott

Love to give all the part #s, but I assume you know as well amscope and the little misc pieces are a $hit show.  I have the original packing list on my setup, will dig up.  From what I can gather I have the camera port and its all working down to that.  That said, I doubt there is part #s on any of the adapters.  I sure can't find replacements on their site.  Would love to switch out my .5x for .25x or lower.

The cam as is, does auto focus on my setup.  Its far better than what I had, but certainly not perfect.  Mag is to high on the low end, but very usable above my min needs.  Can't complain with the quality of the cam @ whatever I paid, its awesome.


« Last Edit: October 20, 2018, 03:56:46 am by orion242 »
 

Offline orion242

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Re: EEVblog #1125 - Amazing $500 Soldering/Inspection Microscope!
« Reply #90 on: October 20, 2018, 02:58:27 am »
Offer still stands. Amscope MC300 camera for the cost of shipping.  I paid over $100 and its a fair camera for entry level amscope setups.

Gone
« Last Edit: October 23, 2018, 01:09:39 am by orion242 »
 

Offline orion242

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Re: EEVblog #1125 - Amazing $500 Soldering/Inspection Microscope!
« Reply #91 on: October 20, 2018, 03:27:50 am »
Min mag with my setup as captured via SD with the cam direct.

Putting a tape measure in the field of view its roughly 3/4" x 3/8"  These images are far better than I get with the amscope cam I had and still a fraction of what I get in the eyepiece.
« Last Edit: October 20, 2018, 03:35:35 am by orion242 »
 

Offline orion242

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Re: EEVblog #1125 - Amazing $500 Soldering/Inspection Microscope!
« Reply #92 on: October 20, 2018, 03:43:58 am »
Not wasting my time with the seller anymore.  They refunded me in full (though by paypal so I incurred a fee from those parasites) once already.  Its aliexpress and just another layer of hell deeper than ebay.  Sometimes you win, sometimes you don't.

You use the "dispute" function or "cancel order" on aliexpress, and the refund will be to your original form of payment with no fees.
Not sure how you managed to get a refund directly from the seller like that..

I canceled order in ali, then the seller had to approve.  They finally did two days later and refunded via paypal.  Which surprise, ali passes paypal fees to the buyer.  So on the reorder using my refund, ~$20 got sucked into the ether.
« Last Edit: October 20, 2018, 04:02:38 am by orion242 »
 
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Offline smbaker

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Re: EEVblog #1125 - Amazing $500 Soldering/Inspection Microscope!
« Reply #93 on: October 20, 2018, 04:00:03 am »
Love to give all the part #s, but I assume you know as well as amscope and the little misc pieces are a $hit show.  I have the original packing list on my setup, will dig up.  From what I can gather I have the camera port and its all working down to that.  That said, I doubt there is part #s on any of the adapters.  I sure can't find replacements on their site.  Would love to switch out my .5x for .25x or lower.

Yeah, I even went so far as to email them, but received an unhelpful response. Just trying to figure out what I own now, and the dimensions and such of the photo port threads is hard enough. They seem to have sold several different microscopes with several different types of photo ports. I've owned the thing for 8 years and it's been a great tool at an incredibly good price, so I suppose I can't complain too much.

Thanks for the pictures.

Scott
 

Offline orion242

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Re: EEVblog #1125 - Amazing $500 Soldering/Inspection Microscope!
« Reply #94 on: October 20, 2018, 04:17:49 am »
Looking back at my original invoice from 2015, this is what I have.  I did get a better ring light and cam from the initial order.  With this I got a bunch of misc adapters.  Sadly, there are no part#s and they don't seem to be available on their site.



« Last Edit: October 20, 2018, 04:30:51 am by orion242 »
 

Offline Astrodev

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Re: EEVblog #1125 - Amazing $500 Soldering/Inspection Microscope!
« Reply #95 on: October 20, 2018, 02:32:15 pm »
Hopefully I will get my setup on Monday, 2nd attempt to ship to me at least it is in the right country this time. apparently DHL had a problem with the post code if you believe that.
 

Offline orion242

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Re: EEVblog #1125 - Amazing $500 Soldering/Inspection Microscope!
« Reply #96 on: October 20, 2018, 03:34:59 pm »
Pretty sure this is the lens I have between the camera and the adapter on my scope.

https://www.amscope.com/accessories/adapter/0-5x-reduction-lens-for-ma-series-cameras.html
 

Offline smbaker

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Re: EEVblog #1125 - Amazing $500 Soldering/Inspection Microscope!
« Reply #97 on: October 20, 2018, 06:52:45 pm »
Pretty sure this is the lens I have between the camera and the adapter on my scope.

https://www.amscope.com/accessories/adapter/0-5x-reduction-lens-for-ma-series-cameras.html

Thanks. I may have to get my hands on one of those if nothing else works out. I ended up ordering the 0.5x and 0.3x adapters at this page: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/Low-Price-0-5X-C-mount-Lens-Adapter-1-2-CTV-Adapter-For-SZMTV1-2-Trinocular/32814332968.html. Whether or not they'll thread onto my amscope, I have less than no idea. If they do thread on (or if I bodge it together), then I have no idea whether it will yield a usable picture.

I should know in about a month... (Kinda wish I'd have chosen DHL, but I was in a cheap mood last night)

Scott
« Last Edit: October 20, 2018, 06:55:23 pm by smbaker »
 

Offline orion242

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Re: EEVblog #1125 - Amazing $500 Soldering/Inspection Microscope!
« Reply #98 on: October 21, 2018, 12:36:48 am »
Working distance in this configuration was crazy small and unusable, like an inch or two.

Measured what I have in my setup.  So bench to scope is 5".  I can turn a ~5" board near vertical and the AF with the mag @ min, it will focus on anything from the bench to about ~3.5" above without ever changing the microscope focus.  That alone is a hell of an upgrade from what I had.  It goes to hell when your working on the edges of what the AF can deal with.  If I have the eye pieces in focus, the cam seems in its happy spot.  At least if I move the scope within ~50% of its mag range.  Moving from min to max, I need to adjust the cam height in the adapters so its happy again or deal with endless hunting.  I never really use my setup at the max.

Pi to fake the mouse should certainly work I would think.  Find if I'm mindful of the AF, just keep the window in areas of the same height its not too annoying.  A foot pedal would be ideal.
« Last Edit: October 21, 2018, 01:37:33 am by orion242 »
 

Offline orion242

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Re: EEVblog #1125 - Amazing $500 Soldering/Inspection Microscope!
« Reply #99 on: October 21, 2018, 12:37:31 am »
Cam pics with board ~vertical.  This board with tons of crap on the ends, isn't the best case by any means.
« Last Edit: October 21, 2018, 02:18:53 am by orion242 »
 

Offline Finbarry

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Re: EEVblog #1125 - Amazing $500 Soldering/Inspection Microscope!
« Reply #100 on: October 23, 2018, 12:35:19 pm »
I've finally had the time to probe around J50.

It is indeed a serial port, running at 3.3V and a baudrate of 115200.

Now comes the best part....

The serial port leads into a ROOT linux console. No password needed.

I'll try to dump the files by using a flash drive. Stay tuned.

Below is the bootloader output and the response when running "whoami":

I've also attached the pinout of the connector.

Code: [Select]
U-Boot 2010.06 (Nov 22 2016 - 16:36:06)

NAND:  Check nand flash controller v610. found
Special NAND id table Version 1.36
Nand ID: 0x00 0x00 0x00 0x00 0x00 0x00 0x00 0x00
No NAND device found!!!
0 MiB
Check spi flash controller v350... Found
Spi(cs1) ID: 0xC2 0x20 0x19 0xC2 0x20 0x19
Spi(cs1): Block:64KB Chip:32MB Name:"MX25L 256/257 35 E/F"
*** Warning - bad CRC, using default environment

In:    serial
Out:   serial
Err:   serial
USB:   scanning bus for devices... 2 USB Device(s) found
0 Storage Device(s) found
32768 KiB hi_sfc at 0:0 is now current device

## Booting kernel from Legacy Image at 82000000 ...
   Image Name:   Linux-3.4.35
   Image Type:   ARM Linux Kernel Image (uncompressed)
   Data Size:    2986672 Bytes = 2.8 MiB
   Load Address: 80008000
   Entry Point:  80008000
   Loading Kernel Image ... OK
OK

Starting kernel ...

Uncompressing Linux... done, booting the kernel.
Booting Linux on physical CPU 0
Linux version 3.4.35 (root@linux-5w9i) (gcc version 4.8.3 20131202 (prerelease)                                                                                                                  (Hisilicon_v300) ) #2 Fri Jan 13 17:00:54 CST 2017
CPU: ARMv7 Processor [410fc075] revision 5 (ARMv7), cr=10c53c7d
CPU: PIPT / VIPT nonaliasing data cache, VIPT aliasing instruction cache
Machine: hi3516a
Memory policy: ECC disabled, Data cache writeback
Built 1 zonelists in Zone order, mobility grouping on.  Total pages: 32512
Kernel command line: mem=128M console=ttyAMA0,115200 root=/dev/mtdblock2 rootfst                                                                                                                 ype=jffs2 mtdparts=hi_sfc:1M(boot),3M(kernel),26M(rootfs)
PID hash table entries: 512 (order: -1, 2048 bytes)
Dentry cache hash table entries: 16384 (order: 4, 65536 bytes)
Inode-cache hash table entries: 8192 (order: 3, 32768 bytes)
Memory: 128MB = 128MB total
Memory: 124028k/124028k available, 7044k reserved, 0K highmem
Virtual kernel memory layout:
    vector  : 0xffff0000 - 0xffff1000   (   4 kB)
    fixmap  : 0xfff00000 - 0xfffe0000   ( 896 kB)
    vmalloc : 0xc8800000 - 0xff000000   ( 872 MB)
    lowmem  : 0xc0000000 - 0xc8000000   ( 128 MB)
    modules : 0xbf000000 - 0xc0000000   (  16 MB)
      .text : 0xc0008000 - 0xc054a000   (5384 kB)
      .init : 0xc054a000 - 0xc056c434   ( 138 kB)
      .data : 0xc056e000 - 0xc059d800   ( 190 kB)
       .bss : 0xc059d824 - 0xc05bc9f8   ( 125 kB)
SLUB: Genslabs=11, HWalign=64, Order=0-3, MinObjects=0, CPUs=1, Nodes=1
NR_IRQS:128
sched_clock: 32 bits at 49MHz, resolution 20ns, wraps every 86767ms
Console: colour dummy device 80x30
Calibrating delay loop... 1196.85 BogoMIPS (lpj=5984256)
pid_max: default: 32768 minimum: 301
Mount-cache hash table entries: 512
Initializing cgroup subsys freezer
CPU: Testing write buffer coherency: ok
Setting up static identity map for 0x8041e4a8 - 0x8041e500
dummy:
NET: Registered protocol family 16
Serial: AMBA PL011 UART driver
uart:0: ttyAMA0 at MMIO 0x20080000 (irq = 40) is a PL011 rev2
console [ttyAMA0] enabled
uart:1: ttyAMA1 at MMIO 0x20090000 (irq = 41) is a PL011 rev2
bio: create slab <bio-0> at 0
SCSI subsystem initialized
hi-spi-master hi-spi-master.0: with 1 chip select slaves attached
hi-spi-master hi-spi-master.1: with 3 chip select slaves attached
usbcore: registered new interface driver usbfs
usbcore: registered new interface driver hub
usbcore: registered new device driver usb
Switching to clocksource timer0
NET: Registered protocol family 2
IP route cache hash table entries: 1024 (order: 0, 4096 bytes)
TCP established hash table entries: 4096 (order: 3, 32768 bytes)
TCP bind hash table entries: 4096 (order: 2, 16384 bytes)
TCP: Hash tables configured (established 4096 bind 4096)
TCP: reno registered
UDP hash table entries: 256 (order: 0, 4096 bytes)
UDP-Lite hash table entries: 256 (order: 0, 4096 bytes)
NET: Registered protocol family 1
RPC: Registered named UNIX socket transport module.
RPC: Registered udp transport module.
RPC: Registered tcp transport module.
RPC: Registered tcp NFSv4.1 backchannel transport module.
VFS: Disk quotas dquot_6.5.2
Dquot-cache hash table entries: 1024 (order 0, 4096 bytes)
squashfs: version 4.0 (2009/01/31) Phillip Lougher
NFS: Registering the id_resolver key type
jffs2: version 2.2. (NAND) © 2001-2006 Red Hat, Inc.
fuse init (API version 7.18)
SGI XFS with security attributes, large block/inode numbers, no debug enabled
msgmni has been set to 242
Block layer SCSI generic (bsg) driver version 0.4 loaded (major 254)
io scheduler noop registered
io scheduler deadline registered (default)
io scheduler cfq registered
brd: module loaded
Spi id table Version 1.22
Spi(cs1) ID: 0xC2 0x20 0x19 0xC2 0x20 0x19
SPI nor flash boot mode is 3 Bytes
Spi(cs1):
Block:64KB
Chip:32MB
Name:"MX25L(256/257)35(E/F)"
spi size: 32MB
chip num: 1
3 cmdlinepart partitions found on MTD device hi_sfc
3 cmdlinepart partitions found on MTD device hi_sfc
Creating 3 MTD partitions on "hi_sfc":
0x000000000000-0x000000100000 : "boot"
0x000000100000-0x000000400000 : "kernel"
0x000000400000-0x000001e00000 : "rootfs"
Found Nand Flash Controller V610.
Nand ID: 0x00 0x00 0x00 0x00 0x00 0x00 0x00 0x00
No NAND device found
Higmac dma_sg_phy: 0x87a00000
higmac_mdio_bus: probed
PHY mdio0:01 not found
ETH0: rgmii, phy_addr=1, mii_name=mdio0
ehci_hcd: USB 2.0 'Enhanced' Host Controller (EHCI) Driver
hiusb-ehci hiusb-ehci.0: HIUSB EHCI
hiusb-ehci hiusb-ehci.0: new USB bus registered, assigned bus number 1
hiusb-ehci hiusb-ehci.0: irq 53, io mem 0x100b0000
hiusb-ehci hiusb-ehci.0: USB 0.0 started, EHCI 1.00
hub 1-0:1.0: USB hub found
hub 1-0:1.0: 1 port detected
ohci_hcd: USB 1.1 'Open' Host Controller (OHCI) Driver
hiusb-ohci hiusb-ohci.0: HIUSB OHCI
hiusb-ohci hiusb-ohci.0: new USB bus registered, assigned bus number 2
hiusb-ohci hiusb-ohci.0: irq 54, io mem 0x100a0000
hub 2-0:1.0: USB hub found
hub 2-0:1.0: 1 port detected
Initializing USB Mass Storage driver...
usbcore: registered new interface driver usb-storage
USB Mass Storage support registered.
mousedev: PS/2 mouse device common for all mice
i2c /dev entries driver
hisi_i2c hisi_i2c.0: Hisilicon [i2c-0] probed!
hisi_i2c hisi_i2c.1: Hisilicon [i2c-1] probed!
hisi_i2c hisi_i2c.2: Hisilicon [i2c-2] probed!
usbcore: registered new interface driver usbhid
usbhid: USB HID core driver
TCP: cubic registered
Initializing XFRM netlink socket
NET: Registered protocol family 17
NET: Registered protocol family 15
lib80211: common routines for IEEE802.11 drivers
Registering the dns_resolver key type
VFP support v0.3: implementor 41 architecture 2 part 30 variant 7 rev 5
mmc0: new high speed SDXC card at address aaaa
mmcblk0: mmc0:aaaa SE64G 59.4 GiB
 mmcblk0: p1
VFS: Mounted root (jffs2 filesystem) on device 31:2.
Freeing init memory: 136K
usb 2-1: new low-speed USB device number 2 using hiusb-ohci
[RCS]: /etc/init.d/S00devs
input: PixArt USB Optical Mouse as /devices/platform/hiusb-ohci.0/usb2/2-1/2-1:1                                                                                                                 .0/input/input0
generic-usb 0003:093A:2510.0001: input: USB HID v1.11 Mouse [PixArt USB Optical                                                                                                                  Mouse] on usb-hiusb-ohci-1/input0
[RCS]: /etc/init.d/S01udev
Not recognise ACTION:change
Not recognise ACTION:change
Not recognise ACTION:change
[RCS]: /etc/init.d/S80network
[RCS]: /etc/init.d/S90hibernate
Password for 'root' changed
Auto login as root ...
Jan  1 00:00:02 login[905]: root login on 'ttyS000'
Welcome to HiLinux.
None of nfsroot found in cmdline.
~ # His3516a_LoadDrivers Start.....!
Hisilicon Media Memory Zone Manager
Module himedia: init ok
hi3516a_base: module license 'Proprietary' taints kernel.
Disabling lock debugging due to kernel taint
load sys.ko for Hi3516A...OK!
load tde.ko ...OK!
load region.ko ....OK!
load vgs.ko for Hi3516A...OK!
ISP Mod init!
load viu.ko for Hi3516A...OK!
load vpss.ko ....OK!
load vou.ko ....OK!
load hifb.ko OK!
load rc.ko for Hi3516A...OK!
load venc.ko for Hi3516A...OK!
load chnl.ko for Hi3516A...OK!
load h264e.ko for Hi3516A...OK!
load h265e.ko for Hi3516A...OK!
load jpege.ko for Hi3516A...OK!
load vda.ko ....OK!
load ive.ko for Hi3516A...OK!
hi3516a_io driver init start
hi3516a_io driver init successful!
af pi level:0
af move steps:300
af move steps:297 3
insmod: can't insert '/komod/extdrv/wdt.ko': No such file or directory
*** Board tools : ver0.0.1_20121120 ***
[debug]: {source/utils/cmdshell.c:166}cmdstr:himm
0x200f0050: 0x00000000 --> 0x00000001
[END]
*** Board tools : ver0.0.1_20121120 ***
[debug]: {source/utils/cmdshell.c:166}cmdstr:himm
0x200f0054: 0x00000000 --> 0x00000001
[END]
*** Board tools : ver0.0.1_20121120 ***
[debug]: {source/utils/cmdshell.c:166}cmdstr:himm
0x200f0058: 0x00000000 --> 0x00000001
[END]
*** Board tools : ver0.0.1_20121120 ***
[debug]: {source/utils/cmdshell.c:166}cmdstr:himm
0x200f005c: 0x00000000 --> 0x00000001
[END]
*** Board tools : ver0.0.1_20121120 ***
[debug]: {source/utils/cmdshell.c:166}cmdstr:himm
0x2003002c: 0x00090007 --> 0x00090007
[END]
mipi_init
init phy power successful!
load hi_mipi driver successful!
hi3516a_io driver init start
His3516a_LoadDrivers Finish.....!
***COPYRIGHT 2016 tagye technology****
software:v2.3.0
DATE:Aug 20 2018,TIME:11:14:14
************************************
linear mode
--IMX290 1080P 60fps LINE Init OK!----
Entering the cmos_fps_set!
vout start finish
Entering the cmos_fps_set!
Entering the cmos_fps_set!
open success:fd0 ===== 3
FBIOPUT_VSCREENINFO over !!!
 read first 128 bytes of EDID ROM
hi_i2c_wait_txfifo_notfull->260:
transmit error, int_raw_status: 0x750!

hi_i2c_wait_txfifo_notfull->262:
tx_abrt_cause is 1.

SpinBoxScaleX:  1
SpinBoxScaleY:  1
SpinBoxScaleX:  10
SpinBoxScaleY:  10

~ # whoami
root
~ #

 
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Offline LapTop006

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Re: EEVblog #1125 - Amazing $500 Soldering/Inspection Microscope!
« Reply #101 on: October 23, 2018, 12:50:46 pm »
Since that boot lists the SoC, here's the short form datasheet.

From a press release:
Quote
Hisilicon released Hi3516A SoC (System on Chip) which is based on latest H.265/HEVC standard for high definition IP cameras. The Hi3516A adopted Hisilicon H.265/HEVC algorithm, greatly improved image quality to eliminate motion blur, meanwhile reduced 50% bit-rate without compromising the image quality.

Furthermore, Hi3516A utilizes ARM Cortex-A architect, integrated with Hisilicon's 2nd generation intelligent video analysis unit (IVE2.0) to support license plate recognition, perimeter protection, facial recognition, zone alarm...etc more than 40 different kinds of smart video analysis applications.

Through multi-frame combination WDR and Hisilicon's third generation 3D noise reduction technology, although security cameras work in challenge-able lighting condition, it can still provide excellent images. Hi3516A support up to 5 megapixel real time video encoding, utilizing Hisilicon's advanced network transmission technology, the video latency can be achieved below 100ms.
 

Offline Mr.B

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Re: EEVblog #1125 - Amazing $500 Soldering/Inspection Microscope!
« Reply #102 on: October 23, 2018, 07:14:29 pm »

Now comes the best part....

The serial port leads into a ROOT linux console. No password needed.


Now this is going to be exciting...   :popcorn:
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Offline EEVblogTopic starter

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Re: EEVblog #1125 - Amazing $500 Soldering/Inspection Microscope!
« Reply #103 on: October 29, 2018, 04:01:52 am »
I tried one of these HDMI splitters and it didn't detect the Eakins  :--
Just like my AVio capture device doesn't detect it.

 

Offline smbaker

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Re: EEVblog #1125 - Amazing $500 Soldering/Inspection Microscope!
« Reply #104 on: October 30, 2018, 06:09:58 am »
I've had some success connecting an Arduino Pro Micro to the USB port and using it to programmatically turn autofocus on and off by emulating mouse movements and clicks. Eventually I'll try to rig up something nice with some buttons, LEDs, and a jack for a foot switch. A 3-pack of Arduino Pro Micro clones from Amazon was only about twenty bucks.

Although it would be nicer to exploit the serial header that's been discovered, if that turns out to be impractical, this seems like a useful technique to fall back to.

Scott
 

Offline smbaker

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Re: EEVblog #1125 - Amazing $500 Soldering/Inspection Microscope!
« Reply #105 on: November 03, 2018, 03:43:14 am »
I received the microscope adapters (https://www.aliexpress.com/item/Low-Price-0-5X-C-mount-Lens-Adapter-1-2-CTV-Adapter-For-SZMTV1-2-Trinocular/32814332968.html) that I ordered to hook this up to my trinocular.

* The thread actually fit my amscope (I had my doubts)
* It produced a mostly-usable image (I had my doubts)
* It's very compact
* It's not parfocal with the eyepieces, not even remotely close
* I lost half the working distance of the Amscope
* Autofocus suffers from significant vignetting as one zooms in.

I spoke too soon! I just played around with it fiddling with the adjustment ring on the adapter. I can get it parfocal with the eyepiece, and I can get the working distance equal to that of the eyepiece! I still don't get much usable zoom out of the Amscope though.

Some pictures are attached.
« Last Edit: November 03, 2018, 04:10:23 am by smbaker »
 

Offline orion242

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Re: EEVblog #1125 - Amazing $500 Soldering/Inspection Microscope!
« Reply #106 on: November 05, 2018, 01:28:05 am »
What microscope head are you using?

I got what looks like the same lens, but there is no way to adapt it the my head.  I have a handful of lenses coming that should work with my setup coming.  Max width I can get with my setup and this 1x lens https://www.amscope.com/accessories/adapter/1x-c-mount-camera-adapter-for-nikon-microscopes-1.html is 1.5CM,

Once I get this cam where I want, I'm upgrading to a real trinok head where all ports have light.  With Amscope, the closest match to what I have now is the SM745TP which still has the same 23mm photo port interface, you must have some threaded port.

The capture problem I have to assume isn't a big hurdle.  It works fine with HDMI monitors I tossed at it, so there must be a capture device that's compatible.
« Last Edit: November 05, 2018, 01:44:05 am by orion242 »
 

Offline smbaker

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Re: EEVblog #1125 - Amazing $500 Soldering/Inspection Microscope!
« Reply #107 on: November 05, 2018, 05:45:39 am »
What microscope head are you using?

The only reference I have is "3.5X-45X Trinocular Stereo Zoom Microscope on Single Arm Boom      SM-3TX             1  379.00". Typical of Amscope, it's not all that easy to figure out exactly what I have. From what I gathered on Aliexpress, there were two styles of adapters for two different generations of Amscopes. There's the "old" threaded style like mine, and there's a newer bayonet style.

I also have a 0.5X barlow attached to the Amscope, screwed into the very bottom.

A real trinocular head that was live to all three ports all the time would be nice.

Scott
 

Offline kazzle101

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Re: EEVblog #1125 - Amazing $500 Soldering/Inspection Microscope!
« Reply #108 on: November 07, 2018, 09:33:04 am »
Hello
I'm looking to get one of those cameras for my AmScope trinocular microscope, but I have a question: can it output a square 1:1 image using the whole sensor? - my current camera outputs 16:9 and crops the top and bottom.

And here's a handy thing for getting the camera's view similar to that you see through the eye pieces: Focus adjustable 0.35X C mount adapter for New Type of Amscope, the one with the flange rather than screw mount. https://www.aliexpress.com/item/0-35X-focus-adjustable-C-mount-adapter-for-New-type-of-Amscope-s-Trinocular-Stereo-microscope/32830788378.html  For my camera I needed to add a 5mm C-mount extension tube to get the focal distance down to normal. There is a little bit of barrel distortion, but its still much better than the slide tube that comes with the microscope. I first saw it being used by Paul Daniels (not the magician) on his iPhone repair YouTube channel.

On the subject of camera lenses - that is a lens between the camera and the third port. The image you see depends on the sensor size in the camera. A small sensor (around half inch) crops and magnifies the image - so you need a reduction lens, like above. But with an APS-C or Full Frame sensor you need a magnification lens as otherwise you get to see the barrel of the connecting tube.

Karl.
 

Offline knotlogic

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Re: EEVblog #1125 - Amazing $500 Soldering/Inspection Microscope!
« Reply #109 on: November 08, 2018, 12:13:01 pm »
So what is the soldering experience like under one of these compared to a typical stereo microscope like an amscope? My eyes being what they are, I need bright lights and magnification even to do through-hole soldering these days. As such when I work on a project, I sit hunched over the amscope for a bit and it becomes tedious. The Camera+monitor approach I assume would lessen the need to hunch over. Is a small screen closer to the eyes better, or is a large screen further away better? Does the autofocus try to refocus as one moves the soldering iron about?

I'd be interested in hearing about how useful this is for soldering too.  I'm getting to the point where I'm in the same boat and am in need for a magnifying aid.  How's the display lag, and is there an issue with autofocus jumping around when moving an iron (or worse, braid) under the scope?

Anyone know how the 120x stacks up against the 180x?

Also, I went poking around the Eakins Aliexpress store and it appears they have 4 variants of the camera using the IMX290 sensor.  In addition to the one Dave reviewed, there's a near identical version without the microsd card slot, and then there's this thing.  It also comes with or without the microsd card slot, and appears to have the optics built in.  But what's interesting is the version with microsd has an I/O connector.

They also have two different stand versions.  One with a boom and one without.  That's a lot of options there.
 

Offline orion242

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Re: EEVblog #1125 - Amazing $500 Soldering/Inspection Microscope!
« Reply #110 on: November 09, 2018, 02:36:11 am »
How's the display lag, and is there an issue with autofocus jumping around when moving an iron (or worse, braid) under the scope?

Hard to see any lag to the display.  AF and soldering would be a PITA without a foot pedal to lock it IMO.

Personally I don't know I could go from stereo vision to a display without a load of practice and really wanting to.  That said, I don't solder 8hrs a day.

Got this lens which works with the newer Amscope camera port. https://www.ebay.com/itm/0-3X-C-mount-Microscope-Adapter-for-CCD-Cmos-Camera-Digital-Eyepiece-Relay-Lens/273459117292?hash=item3fab6efcec:m:mBPSS1sgOSdJT09Djl9ieIg:rk:1:pf:1&frcectupt=true

The lens and its 0.4x brother are crap quality, focus is off on just one side and there seems to be bubbles in the glass that the AF will sometime focus on.  That said 0.3x seems to give me an acceptable magnification range would like even less.  Things are parafocal with the eyepieces.  Getting closer... Will have to try Kazzle's suggestion.
« Last Edit: November 09, 2018, 02:38:03 am by orion242 »
 

Offline smbaker

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Re: EEVblog #1125 - Amazing $500 Soldering/Inspection Microscope!
« Reply #111 on: November 09, 2018, 05:11:06 am »
I'd be interested in hearing about how useful this is for soldering too.  I'm getting to the point where I'm in the same boat and am in need for a magnifying aid.  How's the display lag, and is there an issue with autofocus jumping around when moving an iron (or worse, braid) under the scope?

There's a little snippet of soldering in my video here, around 12 minutes in:

 

All I soldered was a couple of 0.100" headers. There are two things that struck me: 1) lack of depth perception makes soldering a little more difficult, and 2) the natural human inclination is to look toward what you're working on rather than looking at a screen on the wall. I think with practice you could adapt to both of these differences. I highly recommend getting one of the barlow lenses for it to reduce the magnification and increase the working distance / field of view.

My gut feeling is that my preferred tool for soldering is going to remain my Amscope microscope, and my tool for inspection will shift toward the Eakins (mounted on the Amscope's trinocular photo port).

I have a solution for AF/MF toggle (including a foot pedal). Going to do up a video on that this weekend.
« Last Edit: November 09, 2018, 05:12:48 am by smbaker »
 

Offline mikeselectricstuff

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Re: EEVblog #1125 - Amazing $500 Soldering/Inspection Microscope!
« Reply #112 on: November 09, 2018, 07:26:09 am »
Has anyone measured the latency, e.g. by pointing the cam at the monitor?
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Offline orion242

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Re: EEVblog #1125 - Amazing $500 Soldering/Inspection Microscope!
« Reply #113 on: November 09, 2018, 10:58:53 am »
Has anyone measured the latency, e.g. by pointing the cam at the monitor?

You would have to have a capture device device right?
« Last Edit: November 09, 2018, 11:05:50 am by orion242 »
 

Offline Marc M.

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Re: EEVblog #1125 - Amazing $500 Soldering/Inspection Microscope!
« Reply #114 on: November 09, 2018, 11:45:26 am »
I jumped on the Eakins bandwagon a few weeks ago.  After getting the run around for 2 weeks then it 'accidentally' getting shipped SF Express instead of DHL adding another 2 weeks, I finally received my very own copy.  I went with just the head w/180x lens, the 300x lens, a ring light, and the set of 3 Barlow lenses (.35, .5, 2x).  My bench shelves are made out of 8020 extrusions so I used that to make up a quick overarm to hold the camera.  It keeps the bench clear and allows me to raise the scope over 1m off the bench :-+.  In addition, I 3D printed an adapter to stack the .5x lens on the bottom of the .35x Barlow.  With that combination and my camera at the ceiling I can get a 130mm (5") FOV, although zoom is limited by the distance between the 2 stacked lenses.  For my needs, the 180x lens with the .35x Barlow provide an adequate range for routine PCB stuff.

The UI is just painful to use.  The mouse is way too sensitive and I had an extremely difficult time keeping it on the focus scroll bar while using the scroll wheel.  I had the same idea as smbaker to use Pro Micro's due to their small size and ability to act a mouse.  I used a rotary encoder for changing values in the scroll bars, a BCD coded switch to select the various functions, 3 pb switches to act a soft keys, and of course the ubiquitous 16x2 LCD for the display.  I had  a difficult time getting things to work at first.  I finally figured out that the camera is very slow and was simply missing events if I sent them at full speed.  Every mouse move or click event has a delay between it and the next event.  It still misses things now and then and gets out of sync, but selecting something else usually gets it in line.  I have the majority of the items on the camera menu implemented and most of it works well despite the clunky way I'm going about it.  I'm waiting on some prototyping PCBs to show up so I can get it off the breadboard and into a case.
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Offline smbaker

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Re: EEVblog #1125 - Amazing $500 Soldering/Inspection Microscope!
« Reply #115 on: November 10, 2018, 04:33:37 am »
I had the same idea as smbaker to use Pro Micro's due to their small size and ability to act a mouse.

I finished building and trying out mine today. I too had to play with delays a bit to make the whole thing reliable, but at this point it seems to be pretty solid. My UI consists of 5 buttons, an LED, and an optional foot pedal. I did briefly consider adding a display (I have a pinout for an e-paper display; I seem to be into e-paper these days!) but couldn't come up with a good motivating reason. Here's my video:

 
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Offline Mr.B

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Re: EEVblog #1125 - Amazing $500 Soldering/Inspection Microscope!
« Reply #116 on: November 11, 2018, 02:32:06 am »
Very impressed @smbaker
I think I have a Digispark AtTiny85 lying about in a junk box somewhere.
It is likely the only pre-built MCU module I have that supports USB directly.
I think it only has 4 I/O when USB is in use, so I will have to settle for AutoManual, FocusNow, Picture and an LED.
Looks like it might support emulating a mouse.
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Offline orion242

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Re: EEVblog #1125 - Amazing $500 Soldering/Inspection Microscope!
« Reply #117 on: November 12, 2018, 01:53:42 am »
I finished building and trying out mine today. I too had to play with delays a bit to make the whole thing reliable, but at this point it seems to be pretty solid.

Where can I get one?
 

Offline taemun

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Re: EEVblog #1125 - Amazing $500 Soldering/Inspection Microscope!
« Reply #118 on: November 19, 2018, 01:35:07 pm »
I've finally had the time to probe around J50.

It is indeed a serial port, running at 3.3V and a baudrate of 115200.

Now comes the best part....

The serial port leads into a ROOT linux console. No password needed.

I'll try to dump the files by using a flash drive. Stay tuned.

Below is the bootloader output and the response when running "whoami":

I've also attached the pinout of the connector.

Code: [Select]
U-Boot 2010.06 (Nov 22 2016 - 16:36:06)

NAND:  Check nand flash controller v610. found
Special NAND id table Version 1.36
Nand ID: 0x00 0x00 0x00 0x00 0x00 0x00 0x00 0x00
No NAND device found!!!
0 MiB
Check spi flash controller v350... Found
Spi(cs1) ID: 0xC2 0x20 0x19 0xC2 0x20 0x19
Spi(cs1): Block:64KB Chip:32MB Name:"MX25L 256/257 35 E/F"
*** Warning - bad CRC, using default environment

In:    serial
Out:   serial
Err:   serial
USB:   scanning bus for devices... 2 USB Device(s) found
0 Storage Device(s) found
32768 KiB hi_sfc at 0:0 is now current device

## Booting kernel from Legacy Image at 82000000 ...
   Image Name:   Linux-3.4.35
   Image Type:   ARM Linux Kernel Image (uncompressed)
   Data Size:    2986672 Bytes = 2.8 MiB
   Load Address: 80008000
   Entry Point:  80008000
   Loading Kernel Image ... OK
OK

Starting kernel ...

Uncompressing Linux... done, booting the kernel.
Booting Linux on physical CPU 0
Linux version 3.4.35 (root@linux-5w9i) (gcc version 4.8.3 20131202 (prerelease)                                                                                                                  (Hisilicon_v300) ) #2 Fri Jan 13 17:00:54 CST 2017
CPU: ARMv7 Processor [410fc075] revision 5 (ARMv7), cr=10c53c7d
CPU: PIPT / VIPT nonaliasing data cache, VIPT aliasing instruction cache
Machine: hi3516a
Memory policy: ECC disabled, Data cache writeback
Built 1 zonelists in Zone order, mobility grouping on.  Total pages: 32512
Kernel command line: mem=128M console=ttyAMA0,115200 root=/dev/mtdblock2 rootfst                                                                                                                 ype=jffs2 mtdparts=hi_sfc:1M(boot),3M(kernel),26M(rootfs)
PID hash table entries: 512 (order: -1, 2048 bytes)
Dentry cache hash table entries: 16384 (order: 4, 65536 bytes)
Inode-cache hash table entries: 8192 (order: 3, 32768 bytes)
Memory: 128MB = 128MB total
Memory: 124028k/124028k available, 7044k reserved, 0K highmem
Virtual kernel memory layout:
    vector  : 0xffff0000 - 0xffff1000   (   4 kB)
    fixmap  : 0xfff00000 - 0xfffe0000   ( 896 kB)
    vmalloc : 0xc8800000 - 0xff000000   ( 872 MB)
    lowmem  : 0xc0000000 - 0xc8000000   ( 128 MB)
    modules : 0xbf000000 - 0xc0000000   (  16 MB)
      .text : 0xc0008000 - 0xc054a000   (5384 kB)
      .init : 0xc054a000 - 0xc056c434   ( 138 kB)
      .data : 0xc056e000 - 0xc059d800   ( 190 kB)
       .bss : 0xc059d824 - 0xc05bc9f8   ( 125 kB)
SLUB: Genslabs=11, HWalign=64, Order=0-3, MinObjects=0, CPUs=1, Nodes=1
NR_IRQS:128
sched_clock: 32 bits at 49MHz, resolution 20ns, wraps every 86767ms
Console: colour dummy device 80x30
Calibrating delay loop... 1196.85 BogoMIPS (lpj=5984256)
pid_max: default: 32768 minimum: 301
Mount-cache hash table entries: 512
Initializing cgroup subsys freezer
CPU: Testing write buffer coherency: ok
Setting up static identity map for 0x8041e4a8 - 0x8041e500
dummy:
NET: Registered protocol family 16
Serial: AMBA PL011 UART driver
uart:0: ttyAMA0 at MMIO 0x20080000 (irq = 40) is a PL011 rev2
console [ttyAMA0] enabled
uart:1: ttyAMA1 at MMIO 0x20090000 (irq = 41) is a PL011 rev2
bio: create slab <bio-0> at 0
SCSI subsystem initialized
hi-spi-master hi-spi-master.0: with 1 chip select slaves attached
hi-spi-master hi-spi-master.1: with 3 chip select slaves attached
usbcore: registered new interface driver usbfs
usbcore: registered new interface driver hub
usbcore: registered new device driver usb
Switching to clocksource timer0
NET: Registered protocol family 2
IP route cache hash table entries: 1024 (order: 0, 4096 bytes)
TCP established hash table entries: 4096 (order: 3, 32768 bytes)
TCP bind hash table entries: 4096 (order: 2, 16384 bytes)
TCP: Hash tables configured (established 4096 bind 4096)
TCP: reno registered
UDP hash table entries: 256 (order: 0, 4096 bytes)
UDP-Lite hash table entries: 256 (order: 0, 4096 bytes)
NET: Registered protocol family 1
RPC: Registered named UNIX socket transport module.
RPC: Registered udp transport module.
RPC: Registered tcp transport module.
RPC: Registered tcp NFSv4.1 backchannel transport module.
VFS: Disk quotas dquot_6.5.2
Dquot-cache hash table entries: 1024 (order 0, 4096 bytes)
squashfs: version 4.0 (2009/01/31) Phillip Lougher
NFS: Registering the id_resolver key type
jffs2: version 2.2. (NAND) © 2001-2006 Red Hat, Inc.
fuse init (API version 7.18)
SGI XFS with security attributes, large block/inode numbers, no debug enabled
msgmni has been set to 242
Block layer SCSI generic (bsg) driver version 0.4 loaded (major 254)
io scheduler noop registered
io scheduler deadline registered (default)
io scheduler cfq registered
brd: module loaded
Spi id table Version 1.22
Spi(cs1) ID: 0xC2 0x20 0x19 0xC2 0x20 0x19
SPI nor flash boot mode is 3 Bytes
Spi(cs1):
Block:64KB
Chip:32MB
Name:"MX25L(256/257)35(E/F)"
spi size: 32MB
chip num: 1
3 cmdlinepart partitions found on MTD device hi_sfc
3 cmdlinepart partitions found on MTD device hi_sfc
Creating 3 MTD partitions on "hi_sfc":
0x000000000000-0x000000100000 : "boot"
0x000000100000-0x000000400000 : "kernel"
0x000000400000-0x000001e00000 : "rootfs"
Found Nand Flash Controller V610.
Nand ID: 0x00 0x00 0x00 0x00 0x00 0x00 0x00 0x00
No NAND device found
Higmac dma_sg_phy: 0x87a00000
higmac_mdio_bus: probed
PHY mdio0:01 not found
ETH0: rgmii, phy_addr=1, mii_name=mdio0
ehci_hcd: USB 2.0 'Enhanced' Host Controller (EHCI) Driver
hiusb-ehci hiusb-ehci.0: HIUSB EHCI
hiusb-ehci hiusb-ehci.0: new USB bus registered, assigned bus number 1
hiusb-ehci hiusb-ehci.0: irq 53, io mem 0x100b0000
hiusb-ehci hiusb-ehci.0: USB 0.0 started, EHCI 1.00
hub 1-0:1.0: USB hub found
hub 1-0:1.0: 1 port detected
ohci_hcd: USB 1.1 'Open' Host Controller (OHCI) Driver
hiusb-ohci hiusb-ohci.0: HIUSB OHCI
hiusb-ohci hiusb-ohci.0: new USB bus registered, assigned bus number 2
hiusb-ohci hiusb-ohci.0: irq 54, io mem 0x100a0000
hub 2-0:1.0: USB hub found
hub 2-0:1.0: 1 port detected
Initializing USB Mass Storage driver...
usbcore: registered new interface driver usb-storage
USB Mass Storage support registered.
mousedev: PS/2 mouse device common for all mice
i2c /dev entries driver
hisi_i2c hisi_i2c.0: Hisilicon [i2c-0] probed!
hisi_i2c hisi_i2c.1: Hisilicon [i2c-1] probed!
hisi_i2c hisi_i2c.2: Hisilicon [i2c-2] probed!
usbcore: registered new interface driver usbhid
usbhid: USB HID core driver
TCP: cubic registered
Initializing XFRM netlink socket
NET: Registered protocol family 17
NET: Registered protocol family 15
lib80211: common routines for IEEE802.11 drivers
Registering the dns_resolver key type
VFP support v0.3: implementor 41 architecture 2 part 30 variant 7 rev 5
mmc0: new high speed SDXC card at address aaaa
mmcblk0: mmc0:aaaa SE64G 59.4 GiB
 mmcblk0: p1
VFS: Mounted root (jffs2 filesystem) on device 31:2.
Freeing init memory: 136K
usb 2-1: new low-speed USB device number 2 using hiusb-ohci
[RCS]: /etc/init.d/S00devs
input: PixArt USB Optical Mouse as /devices/platform/hiusb-ohci.0/usb2/2-1/2-1:1                                                                                                                 .0/input/input0
generic-usb 0003:093A:2510.0001: input: USB HID v1.11 Mouse [PixArt USB Optical                                                                                                                  Mouse] on usb-hiusb-ohci-1/input0
[RCS]: /etc/init.d/S01udev
Not recognise ACTION:change
Not recognise ACTION:change
Not recognise ACTION:change
[RCS]: /etc/init.d/S80network
[RCS]: /etc/init.d/S90hibernate
Password for 'root' changed
Auto login as root ...
Jan  1 00:00:02 login[905]: root login on 'ttyS000'
Welcome to HiLinux.
None of nfsroot found in cmdline.
~ # His3516a_LoadDrivers Start.....!
Hisilicon Media Memory Zone Manager
Module himedia: init ok
hi3516a_base: module license 'Proprietary' taints kernel.
Disabling lock debugging due to kernel taint
load sys.ko for Hi3516A...OK!
load tde.ko ...OK!
load region.ko ....OK!
load vgs.ko for Hi3516A...OK!
ISP Mod init!
load viu.ko for Hi3516A...OK!
load vpss.ko ....OK!
load vou.ko ....OK!
load hifb.ko OK!
load rc.ko for Hi3516A...OK!
load venc.ko for Hi3516A...OK!
load chnl.ko for Hi3516A...OK!
load h264e.ko for Hi3516A...OK!
load h265e.ko for Hi3516A...OK!
load jpege.ko for Hi3516A...OK!
load vda.ko ....OK!
load ive.ko for Hi3516A...OK!
hi3516a_io driver init start
hi3516a_io driver init successful!
af pi level:0
af move steps:300
af move steps:297 3
insmod: can't insert '/komod/extdrv/wdt.ko': No such file or directory
*** Board tools : ver0.0.1_20121120 ***
[debug]: {source/utils/cmdshell.c:166}cmdstr:himm
0x200f0050: 0x00000000 --> 0x00000001
[END]
*** Board tools : ver0.0.1_20121120 ***
[debug]: {source/utils/cmdshell.c:166}cmdstr:himm
0x200f0054: 0x00000000 --> 0x00000001
[END]
*** Board tools : ver0.0.1_20121120 ***
[debug]: {source/utils/cmdshell.c:166}cmdstr:himm
0x200f0058: 0x00000000 --> 0x00000001
[END]
*** Board tools : ver0.0.1_20121120 ***
[debug]: {source/utils/cmdshell.c:166}cmdstr:himm
0x200f005c: 0x00000000 --> 0x00000001
[END]
*** Board tools : ver0.0.1_20121120 ***
[debug]: {source/utils/cmdshell.c:166}cmdstr:himm
0x2003002c: 0x00090007 --> 0x00090007
[END]
mipi_init
init phy power successful!
load hi_mipi driver successful!
hi3516a_io driver init start
His3516a_LoadDrivers Finish.....!
***COPYRIGHT 2016 tagye technology****
software:v2.3.0
DATE:Aug 20 2018,TIME:11:14:14
************************************
linear mode
--IMX290 1080P 60fps LINE Init OK!----
Entering the cmos_fps_set!
vout start finish
Entering the cmos_fps_set!
Entering the cmos_fps_set!
open success:fd0 ===== 3
FBIOPUT_VSCREENINFO over !!!
 read first 128 bytes of EDID ROM
hi_i2c_wait_txfifo_notfull->260:
transmit error, int_raw_status: 0x750!

hi_i2c_wait_txfifo_notfull->262:
tx_abrt_cause is 1.

SpinBoxScaleX:  1
SpinBoxScaleY:  1
SpinBoxScaleX:  10
SpinBoxScaleY:  10

~ # whoami
root
~ #



I'm intrigued - did you ever dump the flash?
 

Offline Rachie5272

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Re: EEVblog #1125 - Amazing $500 Soldering/Inspection Microscope!
« Reply #119 on: November 29, 2018, 02:06:48 am »
I connected to the serial console, and managed to copy what appears to be the main program, and a couple other files also in the /opt/ directory.  If anyone knows a good method to dump the entire flash, I will gladly do so and post any findings here.

I'm working on setting up a USB->ethernet dongle, so I can connect with SSH.

Can anyone find a full datasheet for the Hi3516A processor?  It looks like there's ethernet onboard.
« Last Edit: November 29, 2018, 02:55:42 am by Rachie5272 »
 

Offline wile1411

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Re: EEVblog #1125 - Amazing $500 Soldering/Inspection Microscope!
« Reply #120 on: November 29, 2018, 09:57:42 am »
I had the same idea as smbaker to use Pro Micro's due to their small size and ability to act a mouse.

I finished building and trying out mine today. I too had to play with delays a bit to make the whole thing reliable, but at this point it seems to be pretty solid. My UI consists of 5 buttons, an LED, and an optional foot pedal. I did briefly consider adding a display (I have a pinout for an e-paper display; I seem to be into e-paper these days!) but couldn't come up with a good motivating reason. Here's my video:


Thanks so much this project idea. This was so awesome, it's on my short list to apply to my microscope as well.

Quick question for other owners of the Eakins microscope. Is anyone using the supplied small LCD monitor that came with the kit?
If so, do you have any pictures for how you've mounted it to the stand? I can't for the life of me work out how it mounts on the black horizontal bar with holes in it.

The monitor comes with a a massive sticker and wall mount to attach it to a flat vertical surface. How is it supposed to connect to the supplied stand?
« Last Edit: November 29, 2018, 01:24:39 pm by wile1411 »
 

Offline Rachie5272

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Re: EEVblog #1125 - Amazing $500 Soldering/Inspection Microscope!
« Reply #121 on: November 30, 2018, 06:23:56 am »
I'm using the monitor and stand.  I'm not using the sticker or wall mount bracket at all.  I'll try to remember to take pictures tomorrow.

I discovered something interesting when looking at strings in the "myTest_8.17" executable:
www.seekscope.com

Just a random URL which leads to an awful website for a microscope company.  Searching their name leads to a slightly better website:
http://isscope.com/

I think we're getting closer to finding the OEM.
 
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Offline wile1411

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Re: EEVblog #1125 - Amazing $500 Soldering/Inspection Microscope!
« Reply #122 on: November 30, 2018, 11:59:51 pm »
I'm using the monitor and stand.  I'm not using the sticker or wall mount bracket at all.  I'll try to remember to take pictures tomorrow.

Awesome! The closest I've got to getting it attached it rotating the whole so they are vertical and using the too long bolt to thread into the bottom of the monitor. But seems flimsy as all get out. :palm:
 

Offline Rachie5272

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Re: EEVblog #1125 - Amazing $500 Soldering/Inspection Microscope!
« Reply #123 on: December 01, 2018, 08:10:47 pm »
Sorry, I didn't remember to take pictures of the setup.  I'll try Monday.

More research reveals two things: the Hi3516A processor requires an extra chip for ethernet, and the filesystem is currently not persistent.  There must be some special way to write to the flash, and I'm guessing the entire filesystem as presented is actually in RAM.
 

Offline dav888

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Re: EEVblog #1125 - Amazing $500 Soldering/Inspection Microscope!
« Reply #124 on: December 02, 2018, 01:53:58 pm »
Anyone tried swapping the actual camera to something like a Sony Alpha 5100?

Just thinking it would be more convenient as the sony could capture to it's local SD-card or via Wifi.
 

Offline wile1411

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Re: EEVblog #1125 - Amazing $500 Soldering/Inspection Microscope!
« Reply #125 on: December 05, 2018, 11:28:33 am »
any luck in the pics?  ;)
 

Offline Rachie5272

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Re: EEVblog #1125 - Amazing $500 Soldering/Inspection Microscope!
« Reply #126 on: December 06, 2018, 02:56:41 am »
Yep, sorry, I keep forgetting.  Here are the pictures of my setup.

The little monitor does not hold securely at all, and keeps falling over.  I'll have to make a better bracket at some point.

The working range on this microscope is amazing.  I had to flip a bracket around just to get more height.  I'll probably attach it to the shelf above.
 

Offline tchicago

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Re: EEVblog #1125 - Amazing $500 Soldering/Inspection Microscope!
« Reply #127 on: December 07, 2018, 04:52:08 am »
Good news, everyone!

Just received this particular HDMI capture adapter from ali, and it happily recognizes the scope's HDMI output:

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/USB3-0-1080P-60FPS-HDMI-Live-Streaming-Dongle-USB-3-0-Game-Video-Capture-Box-for/32822156604.html
It lists for $85 now, but was $65 on 11.11 when I bought it. There are lot of similarly looking ones on ali, so probably will be able to find a cheaper deal.

Proof is attached: my large screen 4K TV now shows both desktop stuff and the camera output at the same time. No need to switch HDMI inputs.
 
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Offline wile1411

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Re: EEVblog #1125 - Amazing $500 Soldering/Inspection Microscope!
« Reply #128 on: December 07, 2018, 10:49:39 am »
Here are the pictures of my setup.

The little monitor does not hold securely at all, and keeps falling over.  I'll have to make a better bracket at some point.

Thanks for that - I didn't think to try the main bolt with the nut that was on the wall sticker mount. All good now - I'll work out how to get the monitor to stay where I want to. as you said, not exactly sturdy, but it will do for the moment.  :-+
 

Offline timgiles

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Re: EEVblog #1125 - Amazing $500 Soldering/Inspection Microscope!
« Reply #129 on: December 07, 2018, 11:50:07 am »
Great find
 

Offline hobbs1210

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Re: EEVblog #1125 - Amazing $500 Soldering/Inspection Microscope!
« Reply #130 on: December 08, 2018, 08:05:07 pm »
 

Offline orion242

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Re: EEVblog #1125 - Amazing $500 Soldering/Inspection Microscope!
« Reply #131 on: December 09, 2018, 09:46:52 pm »
Good news, everyone!

Just received this particular HDMI capture adapter from ali, and it happily recognizes the scope's HDMI output:

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/USB3-0-1080P-60FPS-HDMI-Live-Streaming-Dongle-USB-3-0-Game-Video-Capture-Box-for/32822156604.html
It lists for $85 now, but was $65 on 11.11 when I bought it. There are lot of similarly looking ones on ali, so probably will be able to find a cheaper deal.

Proof is attached: my large screen 4K TV now shows both desktop stuff and the camera output at the same time. No need to switch HDMI inputs.

Good to know.  Does this work with OBS?

Got this today to try

https://www.amazon.com/Capture-Loop-out-Streaming-Recording-Devices/dp/B07C75Q4KR/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1544391872&sr=1-1&keywords=USB+3.0+HDMI+Video+Capture+Dongle+with+HDMI+Loop-out+%2CHD+HDMI+Game+Capture+Card%2CHDMI+Streaming+and+Recording+Devices+for+PS3+PS4+Xbox+Wii+u+Support+HDCP+1080P+Windows+7%2F8%2F10+Linux+Youtube+OBS+Twitch

Tested it with Ruko and the pass thru wouldn't work with 720p, but the passthur did work with the camera.  Under win10 it came in as a camera.  Couldn't get it to work with VLC or OBS, so its going back.  Have a Magewell USB Capture HDMI Plus coming now to try with it.
« Last Edit: December 09, 2018, 11:24:05 pm by orion242 »
 

Offline orion242

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Re: EEVblog #1125 - Amazing $500 Soldering/Inspection Microscope!
« Reply #132 on: December 12, 2018, 12:53:34 am »
Doh...   |O  I'm assuming the camera would have worked with the first capture device.  Someone seems to have had their W10 privacy settings set to disable camera access...which go figure is how these devices show up.

That issue aside, it works perfectly well with the Magewell USB Capture+.

Attached is the output from the Magewell capture utility that gives all the details of the HDMI stream.  Maybe that will be helpful to someone when trying to figure out what will be compatible with it.
 

Offline tchicago

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Re: EEVblog #1125 - Amazing $500 Soldering/Inspection Microscope!
« Reply #133 on: December 14, 2018, 08:00:01 am »
Good news, everyone!

Just received this particular HDMI capture adapter from ali, and it happily recognizes the scope's HDMI output:

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/USB3-0-1080P-60FPS-HDMI-Live-Streaming-Dongle-USB-3-0-Game-Video-Capture-Box-for/32822156604.html
It lists for $85 now, but was $65 on 11.11 when I bought it. There are lot of similarly looking ones on ali, so probably will be able to find a cheaper deal.

Proof is attached: my large screen 4K TV now shows both desktop stuff and the camera output at the same time. No need to switch HDMI inputs.

Good to know.  Does this work with OBS?

I tried the OBS, added this ezcap as a capture source and it was showing the live microscope feed in the OBS UI. I don't use OBS, so not sure what else should I try there.

My main reason of using the capture card is to have the screen showing both microscope live camera picture and the other stuff I'm working on, like datasheets, code and schematics - having it all on one large screen.

BTW, I cracked this Ezcap open, and here is what's inside - picture attached. Two either custom or relabeled chips, standard HDMI input and output chips. Two serial EEPROMs - one large and one small (config?). And four channels of DC-DC. There is nothing on the other side of the board.
There are two groups of unsoldered pin headers or test points - some of them might be UART in/out. I may later try to poke them with oscilloscope to find out if there is an UART TX, and if so will see what kind of output it dumps there...
« Last Edit: December 14, 2018, 08:01:53 am by tchicago »
 

Offline texaspyro

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Re: EEVblog #1125 - Amazing $500 Soldering/Inspection Microscope!
« Reply #134 on: December 28, 2018, 03:28:18 am »
I got in the "bundle" and barlow lenses.   Seems to work well. (note that they pack some stuff in the monitor box... I first thought that they didn't ship the barlows)

Circles are a bit out of round on the 10" HDMI monitor.   I couldn't drive DVI displays with HDMI->DVI converters.

The 180X lens' largest field-of-view with the 0.35 barlow is around 2x1".   Stacking a 0.5 and 0.35 barlow gives a 2.5" wide FOV. 

Raising the camera up 2" from what the stand allows gives a 3" wide FOV.   I'd like to be able to get even wider.  I will probably try the 120mm lens and maybe stack a couple of 0.35 barlows...

Ideally, I'd like to be able to get a 6x4" FOV when needed.   That would probably require extending the stand  tube (it is internally threaded at the top with the same external thread as the base so one could probably screw two tubes together).  Does anybody know where to buy extra or longer stand tubes (without buying and scavenging a second stand)?

SMBAKER, are you going to publish the code for your nifty mouse emulator thingy?


 

Offline texaspyro

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Re: EEVblog #1125 - Amazing $500 Soldering/Inspection Microscope!
« Reply #135 on: December 29, 2018, 11:35:21 pm »
I measured the power required by the camera.  It starts at around 0.2A, but once it finished booting up the power increased to 0.7 to 0.8A.   The supplied wall wart outputs 5.3V.   I don't trust no-name wall warts so I am now using a genuine Apple 2.4A one.
 

Offline texaspyro

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Re: EEVblog #1125 - Amazing $500 Soldering/Inspection Microscope!
« Reply #136 on: January 06, 2019, 04:26:57 am »
I don't have any spare monitors with HDMI inputs, so I tried using (4 different) HDMI->DVI converters with the camera... no joy.   This could be related to the issues Dave had with HDMI capture devices.

Does anybody know of a HDMI->DVI converter that works with the Eakins?   
 

Online SiliconWizard

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Re: EEVblog #1125 - Amazing $500 Soldering/Inspection Microscope!
« Reply #137 on: January 06, 2019, 07:09:33 pm »
As an alternative, has anyone tried a microscope setup using a digital SLR with HDMI out?
e.g. Nikon D3400 (with 60fps HDMI) + C-mount adapter + lens
Costs look comparable on ebay, with the advantage that you also have a SLR.

Ahh, maybe you don't get auto focus when the SLR mirror is up for 'liveview video'.

I currently use a JVC camcorder which has an integrated 40x optical zoom, to which I have added a front lens to get a reasonable working distance (15-20cm). I use the HDMI output and get very low latency (not noticeable). There is no way of using a C-mount lens with it, optics is not removable (it's an entry-level camcorder, but picture quality is fine.) The max magnification factor I get with a 14" monitor is approx. 40x (eg. 0.5mm pin pitch is close to 20mm on screen.)

The autofocus works reasonably well even with the added lens (seems a bit slower though, and it occasionally gets confused - usually moving the part around in the field of view gets it to focus again). I can always set it to manual focus if it bothers me.

With a DSLR, you'd have to try. Don't know if it'd work as well as a camcorder. One thing to consider is the mounting of the DSLR itself - they are usually a bit heavy so you need a sturdy mount.
With my camcorder I currently use a Manfrotto articulated arm, and it's not ideal. It tends to shake a little when just tapping on the desk, hardly noticeable at low magnification but it's a bit annoying at the largest magnification.

I recently ordered a couple of C-mount lenses, one up to 10x for larger fov and the other to 720x and a set of barlow lenses. Also ordered a C-mount camera module with HDMI output (unfortunately not with the autofocus, but with a Panasonic 21MP sensor). I'll see what I get with that. One thing that would be nice would be a motorized stand of some sort.
 

Offline dougg3

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Re: EEVblog #1125 - Amazing $500 Soldering/Inspection Microscope!
« Reply #138 on: March 04, 2019, 01:31:04 am »
I'm kind of late to the party, but I bought one of these microscopes on AliExpress when I saw the EEVblog video. I've been using it for the past few months, and I'm very, very happy with it. I also got 0.35x and 0.5x Barlow lenses for it. I find myself using the 0.35x lens, and it works great. It gives me a good working distance of about 5 inches and it's not zoomed in too far (although I can zoom in further if I want). There is no discernible lag to the HDMI output. It has immensely improved my ability to do fine pitch soldering. I find myself using the "click to focus" feature, so that it isn't constantly refocusing when I'm soldering.

Minor complaints:
  • There is no lens cap for the Barlow lenses, but I'm sure I can find one somewhere.
  • Video recording to SD card works okay, but the raw .h264 video format is kind of goofy and there is a 2 GB file size limit because of FAT32
If you try to record past 2 GB, the file size just gets truncated with no warning or error given to you. So if you're recording a long video, you just have to stop and restart it occasionally. I find that the .h264 video plays kind of jerky in VLC, but if I convert it to .mp4 with ffmpeg first, it plays a lot better. I *think* it's recording at 30 fps, but I'm not 100% sure. The timestamps seemed to match up with 30 fps.

Here is the command I use to convert the .h264 videos to .mp4 for better compatibility (doesn't do any transcoding, which is great):

Code: [Select]
ffmpeg -vcodec h264 -framerate 30 -i 5-34-41.h264 -vcodec copy -acodec copy 5-34-41.mp4
Sample video I recorded (using record to SD feature) of drag soldering some TSOP chips with the 0.35x barlow lens attached:

https://youtu.be/5Jvc-VzCfpY
 

Offline taydin

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Re: EEVblog #1125 - Amazing $500 Soldering/Inspection Microscope!
« Reply #139 on: April 15, 2019, 12:03:13 pm »

All I soldered was a couple of 0.100" headers. There are two things that struck me: 1) lack of depth perception makes soldering a little more difficult

I tried it with my microscope, and I think the lack of depth perception makes soldering A LOT MORE difficult. I removed a 0402 SMD resistor from a board and tried to replace it with a piece of wire, and it was very hard for me to ensure that the piece of wire was touching both pads so that I can solder them. And then there was also the difficulty in judging how close my iron tip is to the wire. It was VERY HARD. I switched to my optical stereo microscope and it was so much easier and I finished the job in no time!

So I think for repair work, a stereoscopic microscope with depth perception is a MUST. Bur for inspection of a board, this microscope will be fine.

I think here is what the ideal setup would look like. Two of these microscopes side by side, and display glasses with a separate screen for each eye, and two HDMI inputs :D Problem is, I can't find any display glasses that have separate HDMI inputs for each screen. Sure, there are truck loads of VR glasses, but those are all single HDMI input, with some kind of 3D support, which is totally unrelated to what I want it to do. And searching for such glasses is very hard in google. Most matches are completely unrelated stuff like normal glasses, window glasses, other glasses. Or HDMI displays, monitors, other displays grrr.
« Last Edit: April 15, 2019, 12:10:48 pm by taydin »
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Offline rthorntn

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Re: EEVblog #1125 - Amazing $500 Soldering/Inspection Microscope!
« Reply #140 on: May 08, 2019, 07:10:09 am »
Hi,

I just received this camera, very nice, I purchased it separately with the intention of using it with a 0.5x barlow in one of the eyepiece sockets of my Nikon SMZ660 (the scope has a 0.7x objective fitted).

It can focus fine and at minimum magnification I'm getting 15mm fov.

I want to use the camera for inspecting PCBs so I think the current setup is not going to work very well.

Quite a few people have said the "kit" lens and stand is not great, does anybody have any recommendations for a decent setup to make this standalone for inspection without breaking the bank?

Thanks.

Richard
« Last Edit: May 08, 2019, 07:15:41 am by rthorntn »
 

Offline ro0ter

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Re: EEVblog #1125 - Amazing $500 Soldering/Inspection Microscope!
« Reply #141 on: May 13, 2019, 11:53:18 am »
Whoa, this mic(roscope) is pretty expensive.. Dave, you`ve done great with the microscope review, I was simply searching on youtube for "usb microscope review" and was presented with your video as a suggestion... However, $500 breaks the bank for me... Any cheaper alternative? I had found some "electronic focus" microscope (which I guess is user-controlled focus) on AliExpress for around $84, yet if anyone could recommend something similar without the auto-focus feature (that one breaks the wallet), I would gladly appreciate the advice and consider the thing...

Here are the cameras I found:
1. 84-usd one, I suppose I also need a C-mount (whatever this mount is) lens assembly, although I see none at this seller.. was hoping to find something compatible on seller`s page, yet it should be C-mount.. what should be a magnification for regular circuitry?
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/Remote-Control-SONY-imx323-sensor-HD-1080P-HDMI-C-Mount-Digital-Video-industrial-microscope-camera-for/32978144150.html
2. some all-in-one camera, manual focus? doesn`t state anything.. $105 with 180x or 300x, $70 with 180x objective.. these numbers don`t tell me much, I am still watching videos to get some idea on this.. navigating forums etc..

So I`m fixing car keys and other stuff for now, as part of my hobby... Started fixing for my friends (I simply hate paying the stealership big bucks, didn`t want my friends to pay neither..), now I get about 1 key per week, sometimes less.. fixing is about $20~40 per key, parts included, so $500 for a microscope is out of discussion.. Currently I am doing this besides my full-time job (software engineer / industrial automation / c++) which is not a bad pay after all... yet, I don`t like taking from a jar and putting in an other one so every part with its funds.

I just purchased a seek thermal compact (this is not an advertising, don`t buy from them unless you have to (so actually I advise against this product), the negative temperature range simply sucks (-20 is displayed as -2 or even +1 celsius), they don`t offer any support, no reply in more than 2 months since asked...... there are 2 cameras like this - an older belonging to one of my colleagues and my camera which is a little different in design, purchased 1 year later) for fixing "battery-eating" remotes (can`t use the isopropyl technique since key will be killed, provided enough current; there is hardly a 5°C difference between smd parts when constantly eating 20mA for at least 10 seconds (a key usually consumes a short burst of ~7mA in peak for a transmission).. this thermal camera is a big-enough budget hole already, not yet covered :D...

I will also use the microscope for my hobby (which is obviously electronics and embedded, making things etc)...

So here come all the questions:
  • Any advice of a cheap, yet powerful (10+mp) microscope that someone uses and is happy with? Manual focus will do.. but I would like at least "electronic focus" (e.g. user-controlled electronic focus).. autofocus is a dream, don`t twist the knife...
  • What objective should I buy? I need to be able to inspect circuits (angled or not, maybe 5~10cm maximum FOV) and I need to see especially VIAs..
  • What should I look for in a microscope characteristics? Any tips?
  • Any variable intensity led ring for microscope that I don`t need to feed from the mains? (tips if you have, I can also search myself on Ali)
  • A nice yet not very expensive stand.. should there be any..

Thank you!

EDIT: I found some nice page explaining every objective`s characteristics: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/Adjustable-Magnification-100X-180X-200X-300X-600X-25mm-Zoom-C-Mount-Lens-For-HDMI-VGA-USB/33001173563.html
« Last Edit: May 13, 2019, 11:59:21 am by ro0ter »
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Offline SteveyG

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Re: EEVblog #1125 - Amazing $500 Soldering/Inspection Microscope!
« Reply #142 on: May 19, 2019, 09:55:38 am »
Whoa, this mic(roscope) is pretty expensive.. Dave, you`ve done great with the microscope review, I was simply searching on youtube for "usb microscope review" and was presented with your video as a suggestion... However, $500 breaks the bank for me... Any cheaper alternative? I had found some "electronic focus" microscope (which I guess is user-controlled focus) on AliExpress for around $84, yet if anyone could recommend something similar without the auto-focus feature (that one breaks the wallet), I would gladly appreciate the advice and consider the thing...

Here are the cameras I found:
1. 84-usd one, I suppose I also need a C-mount (whatever this mount is) lens assembly, although I see none at this seller.. was hoping to find something compatible on seller`s page, yet it should be C-mount.. what should be a magnification for regular circuitry?
[url]https://www.aliexpress.com/item/Remote-Control-SONY-imx323-sensor-HD-1080P-HDMI-C-Mount-Digital-Video-industrial-microscope-camera-for/32978144150.html[/url]
2. some all-in-one camera, manual focus? doesn`t state anything.. $105 with 180x or 300x, $70 with 180x objective.. these numbers don`t tell me much, I am still watching videos to get some idea on this.. navigating forums etc..

So I`m fixing car keys and other stuff for now, as part of my hobby... Started fixing for my friends (I simply hate paying the stealership big bucks, didn`t want my friends to pay neither..), now I get about 1 key per week, sometimes less.. fixing is about $20~40 per key, parts included, so $500 for a microscope is out of discussion.. Currently I am doing this besides my full-time job (software engineer / industrial automation / c++) which is not a bad pay after all... yet, I don`t like taking from a jar and putting in an other one so every part with its funds.

I just purchased a seek thermal compact (this is not an advertising, don`t buy from them unless you have to (so actually I advise against this product), the negative temperature range simply sucks (-20 is displayed as -2 or even +1 celsius), they don`t offer any support, no reply in more than 2 months since asked...... there are 2 cameras like this - an older belonging to one of my colleagues and my camera which is a little different in design, purchased 1 year later) for fixing "battery-eating" remotes (can`t use the isopropyl technique since key will be killed, provided enough current; there is hardly a 5°C difference between smd parts when constantly eating 20mA for at least 10 seconds (a key usually consumes a short burst of ~7mA in peak for a transmission).. this thermal camera is a big-enough budget hole already, not yet covered :D...

I will also use the microscope for my hobby (which is obviously electronics and embedded, making things etc)...

So here come all the questions:
  • Any advice of a cheap, yet powerful (10+mp) microscope that someone uses and is happy with? Manual focus will do.. but I would like at least "electronic focus" (e.g. user-controlled electronic focus).. autofocus is a dream, don`t twist the knife...
  • What objective should I buy? I need to be able to inspect circuits (angled or not, maybe 5~10cm maximum FOV) and I need to see especially VIAs..
  • What should I look for in a microscope characteristics? Any tips?
  • Any variable intensity led ring for microscope that I don`t need to feed from the mains? (tips if you have, I can also search myself on Ali)
  • A nice yet not very expensive stand.. should there be any..

Thank you!

EDIT: I found some nice page explaining every objective`s characteristics: [url]https://www.aliexpress.com/item/Adjustable-Magnification-100X-180X-200X-300X-600X-25mm-Zoom-C-Mount-Lens-For-HDMI-VGA-USB/33001173563.html[/url]


Take a look at some of my recent videos on microscope cameras - I've tried quite a few
YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/sdgelectronics/
Use code: “SDG5” to get 5% off JBC Equipment at Kaisertech
 

Offline TD-Linux

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Re: EEVblog #1125 - Amazing $500 Soldering/Inspection Microscope!
« Reply #143 on: May 21, 2019, 02:43:55 am »
Has anyone tried any of the red-body cameras that have started to appear on aliexpress/ebay? e.g.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Auto-Focus-1080P-60FPS-HDMI-Digital-Microscope-Camera-1-2-Sony-CMOS-AutoFocus-S/273539396624?hash=item3fb037f410:g:XgcAAOSwN5hb3CU9

They have a remote which seems to be a bit less wonky than a mouse, and are a bit cheaper. No recording, though.
 

Offline goldfinger_

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Re: EEVblog #1125 - Amazing $500 Soldering/Inspection Microscope!
« Reply #144 on: July 24, 2019, 06:17:43 am »
Just got one of these CMOS Microscope Cameras is its normal for them to make a very noisy  slow grinding/whirling noise from the auto focus motor ?

Had no luck looking for a teardown online on this see what motor these use just in case it needed sourcing/replacing if was to die completely
 

Offline technogeeky

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Re: EEVblog #1125 - Amazing $500 Soldering/Inspection Microscope!
« Reply #145 on: August 09, 2019, 04:09:11 am »
I'm glad to see you are making YouTube videos again!

Do you have any advice re: getting the autofocusing one versus the latest package deal you mentioned?

Do you have any advice re: polarized light/filters (for looking at dies, looking at text from different incidence angles)?

It seems like the killer features of this recent video are:

* tri-nocular
* simul-focus
* the 1/2 adapter
* the camera itself

Do you think the autofocusing camera would be a dramatic improvement over this?
 

Offline SteveyG

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Re: EEVblog #1125 - Amazing $500 Soldering/Inspection Microscope!
« Reply #146 on: August 23, 2019, 09:53:11 am »
An autofocus camera doesn't add much, in fact I keep autofocus turned off as you need to adjust the focus in order to be able to see through the eyepieces...

The next logical improvement is a camera with a much larger sensor. The Sony IMX185, IMX290 etc are all good sensors.
YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/sdgelectronics/
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Offline Noy

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Re: EEVblog #1125 - Amazing $500 Soldering/Inspection Microscope!
« Reply #147 on: September 23, 2019, 10:59:59 pm »
Which Barlow ist better for soldering?

180x and 0.5 or 0.35?

I need enough space for soldering below the cam but need also enough magnification for 0201 parts...
 

Offline AngusBeef

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Re: EEVblog #1125 - Amazing $500 Soldering/Inspection Microscope!
« Reply #148 on: September 23, 2019, 11:19:01 pm »
I got a binocular loupe similar to this guy (not from Ali though) and have been using it for SMD soldering. It's more convenient (for me) to be able to look around with something mounted on my face.

Sometimes, I wish I had a little more than 3.5x magnification. But up the price range a hair more and they have 5x and 6x magnification versions.

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32988468508.html?spm=a2g0o.productlist.0.0.52262b042AI6Vz&algo_pvid=a07378af-14a1-4693-977e-b9cfaedfeb7b&algo_expid=a07378af-14a1-4693-977e-b9cfaedfeb7b-0&btsid=62de71f0-d6b6-444d-abfe-dceb074777bb&ws_ab_test=searchweb0_0,searchweb201602_2,searchweb201603_52

The thing I like about these things (even though it's a little pricey) is that it has a relatively long focal length so I can sit up normally and the board is in focus vs the jeweler style ones that you have to sit up right next to the board to use and aren't binocular.
 

Offline Southerner

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Re: EEVblog #1125 - Amazing $500 Soldering/Inspection Microscope!
« Reply #149 on: December 27, 2019, 07:42:19 am »


Sometimes, I wish I had a little more than 3.5x magnification. But up the price range a hair more and they have 5x and 6x magnification versions.

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32988468508.html?spm=a2g0o.productlist.0.0.52262b042AI6Vz&algo_pvid=a07378af-14a1-4693-977e-b9cfaedfeb7b&algo_expid=a07378af-14a1-4693-977e-b9cfaedfeb7b-0&btsid=62de71f0-d6b6-444d-abfe-dceb074777bb&ws_ab_test=searchweb0_0,searchweb201602_2,searchweb201603_52

The thing I like about these things (even though it's a little pricey) is that it has a relatively long focal length so I can sit up normally and the board is in focus vs the jeweler style ones that you have to sit up right next to the board to use and aren't binocular.

I have not seen any binocular loupes with more than 3.5x.  I would love to find one that is 6x and still have the 420mm focal length.  I did see one web page that added the lenses from some cheap cheater/readers to bump the power like here:
https://www.qsl.net/k9ac/solderScope
to make a better headband magnifier but it seems almost too close for me.  My problem is that my PD is 70 so I can't get lenses out far enough without just closing one eye to be able to see what is being magnified.
 

Offline charliex

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Re: EEVblog #1125 - Amazing $500 Soldering/Inspection Microscope!
« Reply #150 on: January 12, 2020, 02:34:30 am »
did not realise there was a hacking going on in here too, my contribution then  https://www.eevblog.com/forum/reviews/eakins-auto-focus-microscope-camera/
« Last Edit: January 12, 2020, 05:47:07 am by charliex »
 

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Offline texaspyro

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Re: EEVblog #1125 - Amazing $500 Soldering/Inspection Microscope!
« Reply #152 on: January 12, 2020, 04:08:34 am »
did not realise there was a hacking going on in here too, my contribution then https://www.eevblog.com/forum/reviews/eakins-auto-focus-microscope-camera

link gives 404 - not found error
 

Offline charliex

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Re: EEVblog #1125 - Amazing $500 Soldering/Inspection Microscope!
« Reply #153 on: January 12, 2020, 05:46:51 am »
 

Offline charliex

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Re: EEVblog #1125 - Amazing $500 Soldering/Inspection Microscope!
« Reply #154 on: January 14, 2020, 05:35:33 am »
i built a .ko for my RTL8152 based usb to ethernet adapter and was able to put the camera directly on the network, added the .ko to my github

still adding notes here
https://charliex2.wordpress.com/2020/01/14/eakins-camera-hackery-pokery-and-the-legend-of-measuretwice/

so now i can just write the IPC commands directly over tcp/ip to a port rather than issuing commands over the serial port terminal, there's also a network streamer available for this chipset/camera

 

Offline nigelwright7557

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Re: EEVblog #1125 - Amazing $500 Soldering/Inspection Microscope!
« Reply #155 on: January 14, 2020, 05:41:30 am »


For those trawling ebay the magic search terms seem to be "hdmi microscope imx290", I got mine for ~US$520 including Australian GST, with the 180x lens and a ring light.


I just use 2.5 reading glasses and x20 magnifier for SMD work and they cost me $10.
 

Offline Southerner

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Re: EEVblog #1125 - Amazing $500 Soldering/Inspection Microscope!
« Reply #156 on: January 14, 2020, 05:49:44 am »
I just use 2.5 reading glasses and x20 magnifier for SMD work and they cost me $10.

That is pretty much what I linked:
https://www.qsl.net/k9ac/solderScope
It uses a cheap ($30 usd or so) magnifying visor like dentists use (but cheap) that has a 420mm focal length then the linked article ( https://www.qsl.net/k9ac/solderScope ) made a cardboard tube (or old 35mm film canister) as a tube that has the lens (cut to match your cardboard or film tube) from a 2x or 2.5x cheater glass.  Because it has a 420mm focal length they are easier to use than my  Nikon SMZ645 microscope that has to be too close to the business end of my soldering iron for my comfort!
 

Offline MR

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Re: EEVblog #1125 - Amazing $500 Soldering/Inspection Microscope!
« Reply #157 on: August 31, 2021, 11:40:40 am »
My Eakins microscope broke 2 times - first they have replaced the PCB for free - second time we had a closer look ourself. The memory chip wasn't soldered properly (so watch out if you get or start to get glitches on the hdmi screen).
The first PCB shows up the same symptoms, I also tried to resolder some chips but didn't touch the BGA memory chip back then... so this might be a common issue.

Now I have a question about the power consumption, my microscope needs around ~5W can anyone confirm that? (no USB or SD Card attached).
« Last Edit: August 31, 2021, 11:49:48 am by MR »
 

Offline pitfermi

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Re: EEVblog #1125 - Amazing $500 Soldering/Inspection Microscope!
« Reply #158 on: December 07, 2021, 07:31:09 am »
i read this camera uses a rolling shutter. how good is it when moving around objects? are the objects deformed or bent noticeably? can someone provide a video sample demonstration? thanks
 

Offline MR

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Re: EEVblog #1125 - Amazing $500 Soldering/Inspection Microscope!
« Reply #159 on: February 04, 2022, 07:48:24 am »
You wouldn't notice it's rolling shutter (at least I did not).
 

Offline nigelwright7557

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Re: EEVblog #1125 - Amazing $500 Soldering/Inspection Microscope!
« Reply #160 on: June 03, 2022, 01:27:10 am »
You can pay all sorts of silly money SMD kit.
I use £15 soldering iron, £20 hot air gun and £1.50 2.5 reading glasses, £3 tweezers and a £2 magnifying glass.
Strange thing is I have few problems with that kit.


 

Offline Southerner

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Re: EEVblog #1125 - Amazing $500 Soldering/Inspection Microscope!
« Reply #161 on: June 03, 2022, 04:03:41 am »
You can pay all sorts of silly money SMD kit.
I use £15 soldering iron, £20 hot air gun and £1.50 2.5 reading glasses, £3 tweezers and a £2 magnifying glass.
Strange thing is I have few problems with that kit.
Nigel is correct. You can pay silly money for smd tools and equipment...or you can go cheap.  A Hakko 858D clone hot air station is about $40usd and up to about $60usd.  With that and a magnifier you can do what you need to do.  I use a 2" UltraOptix 7x lit magnifier to check the work.  It helps if you can get a solder mask template (stencil) for your board. That makes applying solder paste a snap.  Then place all the parts. They do not have to be exactly aligned and hot air will mostly pull them into place.  You can go cheap on the hot air gun too as a stamp embossing gun that sells for about $10usd at places like Hobby Lobby will work too.  The 858D allows setting the desired temperature though.  Just be sure to make sure the air output is not set too high or the smd parts will go into outer orbit never to be seen again.  Places like Harbor Freight sell a "jewler's loupe" set for about $5 usd.  I use the 10X from that set.  I do also have the cheap dental student magnifiers that have the 420mm focal length and they work well and are about $30usd.  So you can spend lots of money or a small amount.
Good luck.
 

Offline rthorntn

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Re: EEVblog #1125 - Amazing $500 Soldering/Inspection Microscope!
« Reply #162 on: June 05, 2023, 01:27:14 am »
Sorry for the thread necro.

I just have this bare camera for use in my stereo microscope eyepiece socket but I would rather use it standalone, so the question, which stand and lens should I pick up for this, to use as a soldering inspection scope?

Thanks.
 

Offline thm_w

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Re: EEVblog #1125 - Amazing $500 Soldering/Inspection Microscope!
« Reply #163 on: June 05, 2023, 10:05:58 pm »
Sorry for the thread necro.

I just have this bare camera for use in my stereo microscope eyepiece socket but I would rather use it standalone, so the question, which stand and lens should I pick up for this, to use as a soldering inspection scope?

Thanks.

If you read the thread you can find lots of lens suggestions. Around 120x seems to be common. Although if you go with the very cheapest 120x lens it does not have a zoom adjustment, you have to manually move the camera up and down to zoom.

For a stand I used a microphone boom arm stand w/ 1/4" mount. Pro is that its very easy to move around and reposition, but, it can shake if you don't have it solidly mounted or buy a cheap one.
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