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Suggestions on a decent electronics microscope?
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MacMan72:
Does anybody have experience with either of these two electronic microscopes or can recommend a third option at a similar price point (~$150)?

Andonstar AD246S-M
TOMLOV DM601

My OEM optical sensing devices are functioning outside of normal operating parameters and even with my aftermarket upgrades, I have to keep the sensors pretty far away from the UUT to maintain focus which makes troubleshooting small objects troublesome.
(Translation: I’m old and far-sighted and my glasses don’t cut it for looking at small circuit components)

I figure a decent digital microscope will help and has the added bonus of being able to record what I’m doing for future reference and possibly to make videos to post. Most importantly, it’s a new toy to play with!
Veteran68:
I have the Andonstar AD246S-M.

For my purposes, it works well. My bench would not easily fit a double-boom arm trinocular scope. I like the fact the 7" AD246 has simultaneous HDMI and built-in screen support. If you're tempted to step up to the 10" version, it does NOT offer simultaneous HDMI-out -- the built-in screen will turn off when HDMI is connected. I like having both active as I can look straight ahead at the built-in screen but if I need to see something bigger, I just look to my left at the 24" monitor.



I first had a cheaper 7" digital microscope (the G1200 model you can find by different mfgs). It was barely functional for me, and had more limited working distance. The AD246 was a pretty significant upgrade and will serve my purposes until I have a need (and can rework the space) for a proper trinocular scope. I should note that I don't struggle with the depth perception issue that some seem to with digital scopes. Maybe it's because I'm used to it, and I don't know what I'm missing. :)
MacMan72:
Yeah, the simultaneous display was a big plus for the Andonstar for me… appreciate the feedback
KungFuJosh:
I don't have the Andonstar AD246S-M, but I do have the AD208. Both are the same price point, I haven't done a feature comparison.

With the AD208, I like it, but I run it a step below the maximum resolution to get rid of any screen lag.
slavoy:
AD246S-M seems reasonable for the price. I've had a few Andonstar models. Overall, they're okay, but the stand is not suitable for viewing large boards as the main arm will block them.
This new stand is also overly complicated, and it is not possible to slide it fully together because its blocked by the screw. If you adjust the screws frequently, the aluminum brackets may wear out. I recommend replacing it with a telescopic monitor arm.
The new models also have lens housings and lens barrels made almost entirely of plastic (the lens in my AD249S-M doesn't operate smoothly and tends to stick a bit). Older AD40X were made of aluminium and work flawlessly.
The image quality is very good, and I use it to record all my close-up shots in videos.
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