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geekhack Projects => Making Stuff Together! => Topic started by: ErgoMacros on Tue, 29 August 2017, 20:52:08

Title: Preferred type of magnification for SMT soldering?
Post by: ErgoMacros on Tue, 29 August 2017, 20:52:08

Hi,

Just starting out with surface mount and my eyes aren't as young as they used to be... Considering the following:

* Video microscope, something like https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06Y69F8B4/_encoding=UTF8 (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06Y69F8B4/_encoding=UTF8)
* Large, lighted, magnifier ring on a desk-mounted arm https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01JOU7CRK/_encoding=UTF8 (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01JOU7CRK/_encoding=UTF8)
* others?

Any thoughts, preferences, suggestions, pros and coms?

Thanks

Title: Re: Preferred type of magnification for SMT soldering?
Post by: SpAmRaY on Tue, 29 August 2017, 21:40:58

I use these https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000BPWPRK/

Title: Re: Preferred type of magnification for SMT soldering?
Post by: ErgoMacros on Wed, 30 August 2017, 01:54:48

Thanks! Wasn't on my list of ideas, that helps.

I have tried "Pharmacy reading glasses" and those helped too.

Title: Re: Preferred type of magnification for SMT soldering?
Post by: TD22057 on Thu, 31 August 2017, 23:52:02

I use this AmScope SE400X 5x binocular microscope.  After my Hakko iron, it's the best soldering tool I've purchased. 
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0056X4RRS

That video microscope looks awesome - if it actually stays stable and in focus all the time.