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Microscope for SMT soldering? — Parallax Forums

Microscope for SMT soldering?

RDL2004RDL2004 Posts: 2,554
edited 2011-09-30 09:44 in General Discussion
Does anyone here use a microscope for SMT soldering? If not a real microscope, what kind of magnification device do you use?

I have one of those task lights that has a circular fluorescent tube with a 5x magnifier in the center, but it just isn't cutting it for soldering the surface mount stuff. It doesn't really magnify enough and it's hard to keep it lined up so that the view isn't distorted.

I'm seriously looking at this microscope: http://www.ebay.com/itm/350130363543

It looks like a good deal from a reputable seller, but I'm reluctant to spend that much money on something that may not get much use. I realize that one on a boom type mount would be better, but those are way out of my price range. For what this one is selling for, I may just go for it and re-sell it if it doesn't work out.

Does anyone have other recommendations or suggestions? or even just comments...

Comments

  • LeonLeon Posts: 7,620
    edited 2011-09-29 08:17
    I use one of these stereo dissecting microscopes:

    http://www.lakeland-microscopes.co.uk/stereo.html

    The mechanical and optical quality are surprisingly good, given the low price. It looks similar to the one you mentioned.
  • WBA ConsultingWBA Consulting Posts: 2,935
    edited 2011-09-29 09:23
    That should work well as long as you can get past the fact that the mount is in your way. Amazon has a newer version of basically the same AmScope Microscope for $159 that has the mount the opposite way so the mount is out of your way. Standard boom microscopes are more expensive, but would work much better. My work uses all boom scopes and we also have a few Mantis scopes.

    Field of view and a working distance over 3" are key things to look for in a scope for soldering. I have also seen people use the digital USB microscope cameras for soldering as well. We have a small one, but it's lowest power setting is 100x which is too high for soldering use. I know someone that uses one of those kids USB microscopes to solder; something like the Eye-Clops. He picked it up at a thrift store for less than $10.

    If your digital camera has the ability to output NTSC or HDMI video, you can mount it on a tripod, put it into macro mode with a zoom lens, and solder with your TV as your aid. I have not done this for soldering, but for an IPC training, I once brought in my Canon T1i and used the live HDMI output with a 46" LCD TV in a conference room. Worked out very well.
  • Phil Pilgrim (PhiPi)Phil Pilgrim (PhiPi) Posts: 23,514
    edited 2011-09-29 09:34
    I have a hard time soldering with an interposed magnifying glass. I can usually see well enough for all but the finest work by removing my glasses. In cases where that's inadequate, I use a head-mounted magnifier, similar to this one:

    OptivisorMV5_LRG.jpeg

    I think the ideal tool for this would be a surgeon's or dentist's magnifier:

    350-sp11.jpg

    They're not cheap.

    To inspect my work after the fact, I use either the 5" arm-mounted magnifying lens or a higher-power loupe.

    -Phil
  • SapiehaSapieha Posts: 2,964
    edited 2011-09-29 09:58
    Hi RDL2004.


    Look on that one.

    USB Digital Microscope 200X




    RDL2004 wrote: »
    Does anyone here use a microscope for SMT soldering? If not a real microscope, what kind of magnification device do you use?

    I have one of those task lights that has a circular fluorescent tube with a 5x magnifier in the center, but it just isn't cutting it for soldering the surface mount stuff. It doesn't really magnify enough and it's hard to keep it lined up so that the view isn't distorted.

    I'm seriously looking at this microscope: http://www.ebay.com/itm/350130363543

    It looks like a good deal from a reputable seller, but I'm reluctant to spend that much money on something that may not get much use. I realize that one on a boom type mount would be better, but those are way out of my price range. For what this one is selling for, I may just go for it and re-sell it if it doesn't work out.

    Does anyone have other recommendations or suggestions? or even just comments...
  • GadgetmanGadgetman Posts: 2,436
    edited 2011-09-29 13:47
    I too use one of those head-mounted magnifiers. Mine has two layers of lenses, and a smaller round lens that swings down in front of one eye.
    19-712_m.jpg
    (You can't see it, but there's a lens that swings down behind the big one)

    This one gives me 1,8x, 2,3x, 3,7x and 4,8x magnification.
    A higher magniication would be nice, but as I don't plan to do smaller than 0805, it isn't an issue yet.
  • Erik FriesenErik Friesen Posts: 1,071
    edited 2011-09-29 13:59
    I use this - http://us.daylightcompany.com/product/ultra-slim-magnifying-lamp-white/

    then an additional high power magnifier for fine tuning.

    I don't like the head mount magnifiers because they mess with depth perception. I suppose a real expensive one might adjust for this, but none of the ones I have tried feel natural to the eyes, like what Leon's suggestion will.
  • pjvpjv Posts: 1,903
    edited 2011-09-29 20:05
    RDL2004;

    I echo Andrew Williams' concerns about the mount being in your way. I think it makes that model useless.

    I bought a commercial 1.. 40X zoom binocular microscope with the mount the "correct" way many years ago, and it has served me very well. At times there is nothing else that will do the job. The 3D vision you get with the binocular is an absolute "must".

    The price quoted is very attractive. I paid well over ten times that before ebay existed.

    Find one the right way around, with zoom of at least 20X, and you'll be very happy.

    Cheers,

    Peter (pjv)
  • JeremyJJeremyJ Posts: 30
    edited 2011-09-29 23:33
    I just bought a pair of head-mount magnifiers with lights, which really seem to help, even in good desktop light - $7. Probably best to try something cheap before investing in a microscope. If they don't work out, you can always wear them out with your friends for that high-tech look!

    I'm looking for a new soldering iron for use exclusively with my surface mount chips - I have a Velleman and I can't get a tip small enough for the task (I've heard 1/32" is the best tip size to use?). Any ideas on an inexpensive soldering iron that comes ready with a small tip for soldering SM ICs? I don't anticipate using it too much.
  • HumanoidoHumanoido Posts: 5,770
    edited 2011-09-30 00:28
    I built a microscope and posted the project in the Projects Forum. A SONY camera was used on a moving platform in magnifying glass mode. Using VGA and zoom brings up the images in real time and probably larger than you'll need. Plus you have the option to record or photo... Trick is to find a SONY camera which has the mode. Only the new T-series has this feature with adjustable lenses that can go macro. I ran tests on all the demo cameras at the big 101 store last week.

    http://forums.parallax.com/showthread.php?129170-Build-Your-Own-SMD-Microscope&p=972302#post972302

    Build Your Own SMD Microscope
    By Humanoido in forum Projects

    Build a Simple DIY SMD Microscope
    Now Upgraded with BASIC Stamps
    and servo motors!

    Add BASIC Stamps & Servos to Your SMD Microscope
    Combine two projects for more functions

    Reserved for Microscopy Image Samples
    Posing some sample images

    Getting the Maximum Out of Your DIY SMD Imager
    You can squeeze more information out of your DIY
    SMD Imager by following a few good tips.

    SMD Microscope Application
    Work those Penguin Boards!
  • RDL2004RDL2004 Posts: 2,554
    edited 2011-09-30 08:05
    Thanks all for the excellent information, suggestions and comments. I finally just had to go ahead and click the "Buy it Now" button. That scope just seemed to have the most going for it at that price.

    Either the Med-scope type or that Mantis Elite look like the ultimate solution, but definitely out of the price range. The USB scopes could be useful, but as was pointed out, the magnification is pretty high. I was actually tempted to go with one of those head mounted goggle-type magnifiers, but I think I would find them too annoying to wear.

    I do have concerns about the mount, but none of the reverse mounted scopes I could find were in my price range. Also, the cheaper ones all seemed to have reduced working distance. I guess if it turns out to be a real problem I'll just pack it up and sell it on eBay, or hack it apart and build my own mount :)

    @JeremyJ

    Check out this video on YouTube: Professional SMT Hand Soldering

    That kind of beveled tip works well. It's small but can hold some solder at the very tip which pointed types won't do very well. Plato makes a very similar tip that you can find at Mouser and other places. For the iron itself, just look for a low-cost Hakko knock-off.
  • LeonLeon Posts: 7,620
    edited 2011-09-30 09:44
    I use a mini-hoof cartridge with my Metcal system for drag-soldering QFP parts. Plenty of jelly flux is the key to success.
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