While digital microscopes are great for QA inspection, nothing beats an stereo microscope for actually doing work on a board. The stereo scope gives you depth of field so you can actually tell how far something like your solder iron is from the board and the likes.
I've mainly used the scope OP has but I have also used this lower model AmScope for $224 USD (https://www.amazon.com/AmScope-SE400-Z-Professional-Microscope-Magnification/dp/B005C75IVM). It's not as easily adjustable as the higher models, obviously they have to cut features to make it cheaper, it seems like a perfect scope for hobby work.
Once you start working under a microscope, no matter how good your eye sight, you can never go back, and you will also realize how terrible your soldering actually is.
Got this.. plus HD camera ($100), and .5x adapters on both ends..
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01H4FOLVM/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Trinocular is the way to go. You can record what you are doing WHILE using both eye pieces. Some will get a version that you have to disable one eye piece to see the visual to the camera.. the one I got uses all 3 at the same time. So if you want to record.. or put up on a big screen (hdmi out).. you can.
There are smaller models with 7x to 45x zoom as well. Honestly I don't think you need even 45x.. 20x and you're more than zoomed in enough. It is a little odd looking through eye pieces while you solder.. but the two eyes allow you to see depth of field better. If you can work on an HDMI only option.. e.g. can work around the depth of field issue.. you can get a cheaper $100 digital camera.. and those work well.. basically just like the 3rd port on this one I linked.. use an HDMI screen, etc. I couldn't figure it out. Trying to match up the solder in left hand with iron in right.. was too hard.
I find that most digital scopes are slow to respond to movement. Your soldering iron can become wavy in the video feed. Also looking a screen and soldering is not very easy. Go with Amscope or other knockoff. Best bang for the buck: https://smile.amazon.com/AmScope-SE400-Z-Professional-Microscope-Magnification/dp/B005C75IVM/ref=sr\_1\_6?crid=1O8AJRZOUTLFR&keywords=amscope&qid=1651770105&sprefix=amscope%2Caps%2C118&sr=8-6
It's a microscope with a camera mount on it. here's the specific one he uses
recomment with full damn link monster because of stupid rules
I've been using one of these... https://www.amazon.com/AmScope-7X-45X-Simul-Focal-Lockable-Microscope/dp/B01H4FOLVM/ref=sr_1_15?crid=2FD9AHHHTT3BA&keywords=amscope&qid=1640333905&sprefix=amscope%2Caps%2C119&sr=8-15
It's nice with a camera in the third eyepiece.
Looks like the prisms maybe misaligned. How is the view through the eyepieces?
If you’re going to return I would check out this Parco option. Same microscope head at a fraction of the cost.
Its buggered/broken/knackered you're trying to troubleshoot something that should be e-waste.
Strip the cooler, replace Thermal paste. Check to see if any caps or resisters have fallen off or popped. Do a board level trace and power flow check with one of these:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B004UBNIMC?tag=clevercreatio-21&geniuslink=true
If not recycle time.
Thank you so much!
This AmScope one together with a 0.5X objective lens will get you very far!
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0080L0FYC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_glt_fabc_JCXKQDZYPYC9ZZ1ZDRTM I know it's $185USD but it's definitely worth it. I've modified this same one onto a better clamp arm to my desk. The one it comes with in my opinion is garbage.
AmScope SM-4B Professional Binocular Stereo Zoom Microscope, WH10x Eyepieces, 7X-45X Magnification, 0.7X-4.5X Zoom Objective, Double-Arm Boom Stand https://www.amazon.com/dp/B006QXBP6I/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_1SV2XETYM1C37KZTP502?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
It’s my first scope so I can’t compare it to anything but I really like it so far.
Only problem I’ve had has been dealing with amscope directly. I needed a different lens for a wider FOV and they had me buy the eye pieces it already came with. Now they haven’t got back to me about returning it.
https://www.amazon.ca/AmScope-SE400-Z-Professional-Microscope-Magnification/dp/B005C75IVM
you can get these for about $200, they are fantastic for a few reasons.
best bang for your buck
very small on the bench
VERY long working distance, most microscopes only focus a few inches away but this guy is is high enough up that you aren't bumping your irons off it or whatever
stereo.
the only thing I'd do is throw the light in the garbage and get a cheap LED ring light. I've got two of these microscopes and every time I try other ones that my friends use, they drive me bonkers.
anyhow, the key important things to look for in a scope for this kind of thing is that it's in the range of 10X, is stereo, and has a big working distance.
nice to haves would be different base/mounts if your desk allows it, also having one with dual objectives lest you plug a digital camera into it while still being able to use the eye pieces. the price for these skyrockets and unless you are going to document what you do or make videos, it's a massive waste of money.
I imagine for larger art pieces, a compound microscope with a small and shallow stage won't cut it. For 3D objects (with depth), stereoscopic microscope is the way to go. Something with a long boom arm may give you longer reach. Here's an example, not an endorsement since I don't own one.
Wait until them psistils brown up, also if you can get a microscope, you're looking for pretty much totally milky with a few going amber for a body lock from what I've seen on here. Seeing all this will be much easier with a microscope https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B002E0MU70/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_imm_t1_KKwxFb6K3T6DT
Hey, Im having trouble finding my other scope, but it looks similar to this one:
Anyway, best of luck in your search!
I think this is the one I have. It's stock except for the 0.5x Barlow Lens and a light ring. I don't have a set magnification. It's just adjusted as needed.
I know what you mean about the Mantis. I have one at work. I wear glasses and not having to perch them on top of my head is nice.
I have this one. Optics are fine. Don't buy the AmScope ring light, it's a piece of crap.
This is the scope I have, with this camera. Within your budget, I think a zoom scope will be pretty difficult to manage; consider used scopes, but if you go that route make sure you go through a reputable dealer. Interchangeable objectives really aren't that big a deal, though, it just might get a little annoying with some specimens; it certainly beats no scope at all!
Those angle poise magnifiers like you linked definitely help. At work I use several tools depending on what I'm doing:
Cheap dollar store +1 glasses help with reading SMT markings and aren't hard to wear
A head-mounted x3 magnifier if I'm doing lots of SMT for a long time
A 9x jewellers loupe for inspection
A binocular microscope with 10x and 20x settings. This is my general favourite but it can be hard on your back after a while and it's not portable.
Something like this https://www.amazon.com/AmScope-SE400X-Professional-Microscope-Magnification/dp/B0056X4RRS/ref=sr_1_28? would be an awesome start
That second one was far and away better than the veho I use due to the latency issue. I went straight from a usb microscope to a stereo microscope. I bought an Amscope SE series
It was pricey but this is something I use so often I never once regretted the purchase. I also outfitted my camcorder with macro lens so I can record my operations but the work angle is tricky.
You said it's a Nikon microscope, but what one? I have been looking for one like this on a swivel like that. Which one is it?
I've been looking at this
The head is an SMZ-2B. I'm not sure what the stand is.
I find having adjustable zoom is also very helpful. I think the ST4Z (maybe wrong numbers?) has that feature.
I have one of these and really like it. You do not need a microscope unless you are doing counterfeit detection. Unless your doing a lot of gold or key date it isn't incredibly part of one's numismatic tools. I bought one after taking the ANA Summer Seminar, because nothing will make you as paranoid about fakes as that class. Anyway this has always worked, though if you are doing counterfeit detection it is proper have a light source coming from the side (ie a grading lamp) do the raised surfaces cast shadows and such.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004SQQCHC/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_X6buvb1HYQBX1 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004SQQCHC/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_X6buvb1HYQBX1
Even a $200 20X binocular will help. I actually have the 90X version which is more like $450; I find that 20X-45X is about right for most work.
I am new at this, but the setup I had for electronics seems to be working well for mini painting. I am using one of these binocular microscopes:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005C75IVM/
and two LED lamps which total about ~~1600W~~ 1600 Lumens of 5500K light.
Edit: Whoops, 1600 Watts would be blinding.
A microscope will help tremendously. Get one with an LED light and an adjustable viewpiece. This is the microscope I use at work. It does pretty well.
Grab some kapton tape and a good vise or very solid pair of helping hands.
A multimeter, quick alloy, desoldering braid, solder sucker, a collection of tips would be my next purchases in your shoes.
EDIT: Spend the money on the soldering iron. A good soldering iron will give consistent heat for quicker, cleaner work.