would this be considered as a decent digital microscope , an andonstar model ?

[lokin4areason]

been searching for some time will something i could settle with

and came across this model

https://www.amazon.com/Andonstar-Microscope-Soldering-Continuous-Amplification/dp/B0F6L8TXF8/ref=sr_1_4?crid=39D5QD87L2ZGC&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.JqHWg3hlh50i3GwhXXDWA2K58HxOq4Yl3-pivu6TuymX4K30rT7H6LNOLXY8xh3Vz3hXBNyVUF0Dw7aCDiw8nDf_ZXY2Mu06uRSeu-chyBl_dPzW3Dhib5Yk0PdEL0gB0KjSjeGWN_p7eQybD99ngS8PqS-AUO0Xt5iKc_rfe-E.a8TZ8A2XEoyegM4rPzNGTwc0Uqfyje_gQ2-_2wGQvIo&dib_tag=se&keywords=Andonstar%2Bdigital%2Bmicroscope&qid=1748856055&refinements=p_36%3A47000-&rnid=386442011&s=electronics&sprefix=andonstar%2Bdigital%2Bmicroscope%2B%2Celectronics%2C84&sr=1-4&th=1

[xtech]

I have it, pretty decent for money I have payed for it. Good for PCB inspection but not suitable for soldering (you need traditional stereoscopic one)

[KungFuJosh]

I also have the AD208. It's good, but don't buy it. It's an outdated model, and the price is bullshit. It's like $500 on that link, and when it was a current model, I bought it for $159.

Look at their current models if you want a better budget digital microscope.

One note about the AD208 is that there's lag that interferes with soldering, unless you run at a lower resolution...which is still good for what it is.

Here's a better model for less than the one you linked: https://www.amazon.com/Andonstar-AD249S-Max-Microscope-Soldering-Electronics/dp/B0CSNWG8CL

Another one: https://www.amazon.com/Andonstar-Microscope-Soldering-AD210S-Pro-Electronic/dp/B0D7VYJPGN

Thanks,
Josh

[tszaboo]

I have the AD210, that I paid like 80 EUR for.
It's a good inspection microscope. The controls are a bit all over the place, there isn't like a central controller to adjust the light for example.
It's very electrically noisy, so you need to switch it off when making oscilloscope measurements close-by.
I'm also using it for soldering, the lack of depth perception makes it sometimes difficult, but you can get kind-off get used to it.

Overall, considering the value I would buy it again. The next step-up is a trinocular microscope which is like 4-500 EUR.

[lokin4areason]

considering in getting something in the next few week(s) as i ll be doing inspecting PCBs , making repair(s) , and soldering

need something that can bring everything out and i can see everything clearly along with addressing the needs of the repair(s)

[kmoonwalker]

all depending what you like or how much you want to see

on those older cheaper the pic can be a bit grainy but it is OK

on new generation ones pic is way nicer but price is exactly the opposite sadly :/

I think if you can try it (btw best results with a good light in a room or pic will not be as good as it can be)

[hpw]

considering in getting something in the next few week(s) as i ll be doing inspecting PCBs , making repair(s) , and soldering

need something that can bring everything out and i can see everything clearly along with addressing the needs of the repair(s)

may consider an 4k auto-focus as https://tomlov.com & AliExpress as I use and auto-focus really helps a lot.

The extra bottom light with holder is not from them as it hides the view.

In the meantime they have now a new "TOMLOV 10.1" TM3K-3D Max 3D Digital Soldering Microscope, Magnetic Dual Lens Micro Scope with Flex Arm" model to consider.

Hp

[joseangel]

Uhm... Both models are interesting, the one with autofocus and the one with 3D accessory.
I guess you have to choose one or another? I mean, the autofocus cannot "see laterally", is it?

[thm_w]

Thread should be here: https://www.eevblog.com/forum/reviews/

Uhm... Both models are interesting, the one with autofocus and the one with 3D accessory.
I guess you have to choose one or another? I mean, the autofocus cannot "see laterally", is it?

You can do both, the "3D" accessory is just sort of a mirror that spins around and lets you see different angles of the part (see their video).
Its good for inspection but not much use for live soldering.

[hpw]

Uhm... Both models are interesting, the one with autofocus and the one with 3D accessory.
I guess you have to choose one or another? I mean, the autofocus cannot "see laterally", is it?

The auto focus pointer was originally given here https://www.eevblog.com/forum/blog/eevblog-1640-mailbag-4k-microscope-panaplex-displays-piezo-singing-rf-magic/

So I ordered one. Mainly it is very good for inspection than live soldering of 402 SMD parts

The 3D model looks more as for soldering, as with a long side arm provided. I have seen this new product after starting the reply, I was surprised as they have now an 3D view using a special adapter(s).

Currently missing & interested how it really gets on soldering.... as navigating the SMD to the PCB and in addition soldering.

For de-soldering as best using https://www.chipquik.com/store/index.php?cPath=200 at lower temperature to get the chip or the culprit away..

Picture done with auto focus microscope....

Hp

[KungFuJosh]

ChipQuick is awesome, I always use that when SMD stuff needs to get lifted.

Personally, I'd go for 3D over autofocus. I don't remember if mine has an autofocus option, but I wouldn't use it if it does. I wouldn't want focus getting messed up while I'm soldering or inspecting. I prefer to set the focus manually while I move stuff around. Autofocus could breath too long, or jump to the wrong part.

[thm_w]

Personally, I'd go for 3D over autofocus. I don't remember if mine has an autofocus option, but I wouldn't use it if it does. I wouldn't want focus getting messed up while I'm soldering or inspecting. I prefer to set the focus manually while I move stuff around. Autofocus could breath too long, or jump to the wrong part.

This looks same as Eakins, you can either have constant autofocus (which is annoying), or autofocus on button press only (which is very convenient).

[joseangel]

My business partner has a really good optical microscope, though most of the time we both use big 6" magnification lamps for soldering. Pretty good down to 0402. I don't think I can comfortably solder with a screen

We have also a low cost Andonstar 7-8" microscope at our office, somewhat old, which is specially useful for inspection. I was thinking of upgrading to the Tomlov with 3D accessory for inspection. I find myself constantly adjusting the focus and holding the boards at an angle precisely to inspect laterally the soldering of small 0402s or QFNs... I guess the lateral view mirror will be much more comfortable than our current setup. I was looking for a Tomlov with both features, but I cannot find the the autofocus version (1st link) has this 3D lateral view mirror (2nd link).

Links for reference to others,
1) With autofocus
https://tomlov.com/collections/auto-focus-microscope-series

2) With 3D lateral mirror,
https://tomlov.com/collections/3d-microscope

[Psi]

Without 3D you are working with one hand tied behind your back.
Sure you can do it, but 3D gives you so much more detail and avoids the issue of reflections where it's almost impossible to inspect soldering because reflections and bad solder joints blur together.

[joseangel]

Without 3D you are working with one hand tied behind your back.
Sure you can do it, but 3D gives you so much more detail and avoids the issue of reflections where it's almost impossible to inspect soldering because reflections and bad solder joints blur together.

That is! Exactly! I will go for the one with 3D mirror. Thank you
P.S.: I have emailed Tomlov and asked if they can bundle the best of both worlds, hahaha

[Grandchuck]

This thread led to the purchase of an Andonstar 210S Pro.  As luck would have it, an immediate need appeared.  A USB power supply died.  Opened it up wondering what kind of bug I would find ... lo and behold, I found 3!

[KungFuJosh]

That was more literal than expected!

[KungFuJosh]

This #$()#$ thread led to the purchase of a TM3K-3D Max. My daughter now owns my old AD208. 🤣

The screen and resolution and update rate are all nicer on this, but it was the arm that sold me. Much nicer on my bench, and much easier to use. The little stand on the Andonstar was a problem, especially for inspection.

[Psi]

I've never used one of those 3D lens adjust LCD monitor microscopes. So I dunno how they compare to real 3D.
Should at least be much better than 2D to see if what you're looking at is a reflection or not.

[tv84]

This #$()#$ thread led to the purchase of a TM3K-3D Max. My daughter now owns my old AD208. 🤣

Love the realism of their screen snapshots...   

https://tomlov.com/cdn/shop/videos/c/vp/a08acd952e774c17b262d544b9508c47/a08acd952e774c17b262d544b9508c47.HD-1080p-2.5Mbps-43896363.mp4

Unless the delay is... 1 minute.

[KungFuJosh]

The 3D thing is gimmicky, and slightly bullshit, but also slightly useful. I'll share a real example later.

They just use a mirror to offset the lens and show it at an angle. It's not true 3D at all. But, it might be useful. It certainly removes the flatness of normal 2D.

Either way, the screen quality and arm alone were worth it to me. Both lens options are cool too.

[Sorama]

The 3D thing is gimmicky, and slightly bullshit, but also slightly useful. I'll share a real example later.

They just use a mirror to offset the lens and show it at an angle. It's not true 3D at all. But, it might be useful. It certainly removes the flatness of normal 2D.

Either way, the screen quality and arm alone were worth it to me. Both lens options are cool too.

doesn't it bother you that when using it for inspection/general overview of (part of) the pcb, you need to put the camera very high and thus also the monitor (almost looking at the sky...)?

My neck got stiff after one minute of use and don't use it anymore.

[KungFuJosh]

doesn't it bother you that when using it for inspection/general overview of (part of) the pcb, you need to put the camera very high and thus also the monitor (almost looking at the sky...)?

My neck got stiff after one minute of use and don't use it anymore.

I'm tall. 😉😉

The wide lens is better for inspection for that reason. But if it really bothers you, use the HDMI out to a giant screen. Or some VR goggles. 🤔

[kmoonwalker]

I actually tried with pic from scope camera on Quest 3 and it was nothing special - plus real world view is not good too
Hololens 2 also has some issues as that projected image is good for some lines etc but not such things

I dunno about Apple headset but I think we are not there yet with 3D (plus HL2 and Vision price tag is unrealistic for most - there are some other headsets with good picture I agree but not all in one so one can work with them on head)

[lokin4areason]

am so liking the feedback and suggestion(s) from you all

esp with hand(s) on experience with using certain make(s) and model(s) ( with the likes and dislikes of them )