Saturday, April 24, 2010

A Need for Magnification

For my continued work on very small Homebrew SMT projects, I am considering a real 3D Boom Microscope, so far I have used just an office "light ring with magnifier".

On the Internet there are many varieties of microscopes and vendors to choose from.

I think I want something with 7-30 zoom, and a camera mount/port would be useful for blog photos.

Currently I am looking at the Model SM-3T at about $350, has anyone used this model or does anyone have any other ideas or suggestions?

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2 comments:

  1. Eldon:

    Be sure to get a stereo microscope one with ample illumination - to do good SMT work you'll need a LOT of light. The fluorescent ring is good, but will eventually burn out (there's a nice cottage industry waiting for someone who does a simple kit to make the equivalent with white LEDs).

    Spending a bit more for a higher-quality unit is worth it, in my opinion. Work got a cheap one six months ago and the mechanicals are already starting to wear out, like the clamp that keeps it at the right elevation on the stand.

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  2. Steve,

    Thanks for the comment, and yes I ordered and received an LED light ring - I am "looking" forward to using the Microscope to take photos for this blog.

    Eldon - WA0UWH

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