USB Microscopes

[splin]

Some while ago, someone here suggested a 2MP USB microscope camera with a C-mount zoom lens like this:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/121216959307

Has anyone tried one and recommend it?

I have some Pentak-K mount lenses and see that C-mount adapters are available so might it be feasable to just buy the camera? What focal length/minimum macro focusing distance would be appropriate for SMD work?

Thanks, Splin

[ebastler]

No personal experience with this microscope and camera, just a general note of caution regarding the sensor size:

The camera's image sensor is specified as 1/3". The naming conventions for CCD and CMOS sizes are quite counter-intuitive; a 1/3" sensor measures just 4.8 * 3.6 mm². I don't know what sensor size your objectives were designed for -- but you might find yourself with a much smaller field of view than what you were expecting from using the objectives in another camera.

[coflynn]

It might be cheaper to just buy a simple USB microscope. I've got this one: http://www.saelig.com/VIM/VI023.htm along with this stand: http://www.saelig.com/product/VA008.htm

The whole thing feels cheap - the polarizer fell off for example, but doesn't matter as can easily glue back on. Similarly the stand feels all pretty cheap... but honestly it does a pretty damn good job. If you wanted to be cheaper I do see stands on aliexpress for less.

[wraper]

All cheap USB microscopes are junk. Decent USB microscope will be more expensive than a decent optical one. Also any decent optical binocular microscope will beat all expensive USB microscopes if used for soldering under the microscope. If you try to solder under PC based microscope, you'll notice that is VERY hard to do, as you cannot feel the distance and they introduce lag too.

[rx8pilot]

All cheap USB microscopes are junk. Decent USB microscope will be more expensive than a decent optical one. Also any decent optical binocular microscope will beat all expensive USB microscopes if used for soldering under the microscope. If you try to solder under PC based microscope, you'll notice that is VERY hard to do, as you cannot feel the distance and they introduce lag too.

+1

I have a few USB scopes and never use them. The low-end Amscope trinocular zoom scope with Barlow wide lens is FAR and away better. I use it for hours on end to place components and solder. The depth perception and clarity of an optical path make the USB scopes look useless.

[plazma]

For smd work I would suggest a stereo microscope instead of a camera. Used ones can be found for few hundreds.

[Dave Turner]

I agree that for soldering purposes they are useless. However I found that with my eyesight and in the absence of a mantis, they are better than a magnifying glass for reading markings on components.

[coflynn]

as you cannot feel the distance and they introduce lag too

Yeah, definitely not useful for real-time solder/inspection, manual eyesight through an optical microscope is much nicer as no lag ;-)

But if you are taking photos for assembly examples it's great, I really like the one I linked despite it being fairly cheap-feeling. I've got both an optical and USB one and use both. Previously I made an adapter to fit a camera onto the optical one, but having a dedicated USB microscope is a lot easier.

If going the USB route: it's well worth it to get a sturdy holder for the microscope with fine focus adjustment that moves the microscope up/down using a knob. Otherwise you will find the USB microscope fairly frustrating I think.

[splin]

Hmm, plenty of food for thought - thanks everyone. Problem is that I really would be struggling to find space for a proper binocular microscope.

Perhaps USB3 cameras will solve the lag problem if/when they become available? The lack of depth perception may be something that you learn to cope with given sufficient practice - after all I don't suppose surgeons get binocular endoscopes for keyhole surgery - or perhaps they do?

Does anyone have any positive experience with USB microscopes for SMD work?

[dadler]

I have this one that Dave reviewed favorably (for its price, that is):

http://www.amazon.com/Vividia-Handheld-Endoscope-Microscope-Diameter/dp/B005P40OXY/

Dave review here: http://www.eevblog.com/2014/01/07/eevblog-566-cheap-usb-microscope-reviews/

It does lag and have low resolution, but I have found it very useful and use it regularly. It works as an endoscope as well, and comes with a (albeit cheap) 45deg angle mirror. With its LED lighting on I find it useful for looking around and under components/barriers inside equipment.

It does refresh quickly enough that you can solder under it. It's not spectacular, but the base is stable and the overall build quality is good considering the price.

Edit: The close ups here were taken using this USB microscope: https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/der-ee-de-19s-vs-brymen-bm27s/

I was zoomed way out to fit the width of the board in view. I could have zoomed in much closer.

[rsjsouza]

I have this one that Dave reviewed favorably (for its price, that is):
http://www.amazon.com/Vividia-Handheld-Endoscope-Microscope-Diameter/dp/B005P40OXY/

+1. I have the same one and it works very well for the inspection and for limited soldering. The base is very stable and I got used to the lack of depth of field.

[Sailor]

Does anyone have the contact details for the Sydney supplier of the Andonstar. I believe the seller name was 'Buyrarest', but I can't find him on ebay.

Thanks, Sailor

[Mike Warren]

Does anyone have the contact details for the Sydney supplier of the Andonstar. I believe the seller name was 'Buyrarest', but I can't find him on ebay.

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/2MP-USB-Digital-Microscope-Endoscope-Camera-PCB-Circuit-Board-Inspection-tool-AU-/171176517011?ssPageName=ADME:L:OC:AU:3160

[Sailor]

Thanks Mike.

[Fred27]

I found the really cheap ones are fine for inspection after soldering. I suppose it just depends on your expectations.

[Mark]

I found the really cheap ones are fine for inspection after soldering. I suppose it just depends on your expectations.

Same here.  I have the andonstar and it has paid for itself by showing dry solder joints on a fine pitch connector to a SOM board I was having problems with.  I wouldn't use it for live soldering, but after soldering to inspect my work.