Digital Microscope purchase

[amdx]

I'm looking to purchase a digital microscope. I have no single use for
it although I would occasionally use it to solder smd parts, I've also
just bought knife sharpening stones and would like to get a better look
than the 30x hand hold Tasco magnifier I fought with last night. I would
use it for general fun, with the wants above. I'd really like the x1000
but I don't think that's compatible with a soldering microscope and more
than I need anyway.
The built in monitor seems like a nice addition, it's right there in
your viewing angle, nothing to hookup, just set it on the bench and go.
But, others may think that 50r 7 times more magnification from a large
monitor is useful.

This is one I'm looking at. I see one downside, you can't directly
connect it to a monitor, you need software and I see some have had a
problem with the software. Seems stupid to not have a direct video out.
Also, one reviewer was disappointed he could not see a whole penny in
the monitor. That does seem like a small area, another viewer said you
can remove the camera/monitor from the support arm and get farther and
still focus. I wonder.
> https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07J4K3JV9/ref=psdc_2742273011_t3_B07KCHQC2C#customerReviews

This is the high side of what I want to spend. Looks like all 5 star
reviews except for two that had no picture from the start.
Anyone have recommendations?

Mikek

 

This one looks like good quality:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/SS41-WF20-Professional-Binocular-Microscope-Magnification/dp/B07HDXXKD7

 

If you would use it for soldering, a better solution is one that gives you a 3D view. AFAICS the one linked here will be difficult to do any serious soldering with

Stereo microscope:


https://www.amazon.com/Radical-Professional-Electronics-Dissection-Microscope/dp/B07DMLYSDY


Cheers

Klaus

 

[Clive Arthur]

On 23/07/2019 08:16, klaus.kragelund@gmail.com wrote:

If you would use it for soldering, a better solution is one that gives you a 3D view. AFAICS the one linked here will be difficult to do any serious soldering with

Stereo microscope:


https://www.amazon.com/Radical-Professional-Electronics-Dissection-Microscope/dp/B07DMLYSDY


Cheers

Klaus

I'd agree, one size doesn't fit all. As Klaus says, a stereo/binocular
microscope x10 or x20 is the way to go for soldering and you can often
pick up a good quality used one from eBay for under a century.

Cheers
--
Clive

 

[Tom Gardner]

On 23/07/19 03:11, amdx wrote:

 I'm looking to purchase a digital microscope. I have no single use for it
although I would occasionally use it to solder smd parts, I've also just bought
knife sharpening stones and would like to get a better look than the 30x hand
hold Tasco magnifier I fought with last night. I would
use it for general fun, with the wants above. I'd really like the x1000 but I
don't think that's compatible with a soldering microscope and more than I need
anyway.
  The built in monitor seems like a nice addition, it's right there in your
viewing angle, nothing to hookup, just set it on the bench and go.
But, others may think that 50r 7 times more magnification from a large monitor
is useful.

 This is one I'm looking at. I see one downside, you can't directly connect it
to a monitor, you need software and I see some have had a problem with the
software. Seems stupid to not have a direct video out.
 Also, one reviewer was disappointed he could not see a whole penny in the
monitor. That does seem like a small area, another viewer said you can remove
the camera/monitor from the support arm and get farther and still focus. I wonder.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07J4K3JV9/ref=psdc_2742273011_t3_B07KCHQC2C#customerReviews


This is the high side of what I want to spend. Looks like all 5 star reviews
except for two that had no picture from the start.
 Anyone have recommendations?

I've found magnifying devices to be difficult to recommend,
since they are /very/ dependent on
- individual's eyesight
- specific requirements
- individual preference

As an example, although I've been taking stereoscopic photos
since 1984, I find stereo microscopes almost impossible to use.
There is an exception to that: I found an old (?pair?) very
cheaply in a college that was closing down, and it is a delight
to use. I believe the magnification is 12* and 24*, but can't
be sure. The lower magnification is usually sufficient for
looking at joints, but I occasionally use the latter.

I've also tried cheap "digital" microscopes and am not a
fan, but that is very personal.

Hence my strong recommendation is to try cheap alternatives,
before spending large amounts on something that might not
suit /you/.

I have found cheap head-mounted visors surprisingly useful:
- can wear with glasses
- choose magnification for the specific task
- can have two lenses "in series" for higher magnification
- use at any angle and position, as convenient

Widely available example:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Rolson-60390-Loupe-Magnifier-Visor/dp/B001MJ0JW2

 

[amdx]

On 7/23/2019 3:51 AM, Tom Gardner wrote:

On 23/07/19 03:11, amdx wrote:
  I'm looking to purchase a digital microscope. I have no single use
for it although I would occasionally use it to solder smd parts, I've
also just bought knife sharpening stones and would like to get a
better look than the 30x hand hold Tasco magnifier I fought with last
night. I would
use it for general fun, with the wants above. I'd really like the
x1000 but I don't think that's compatible with a soldering microscope
and more than I need anyway.
   The built in monitor seems like a nice addition, it's right there
in your viewing angle, nothing to hookup, just set it on the bench and
go.
But, others may think that 50r 7 times more magnification from a large
monitor is useful.

  This is one I'm looking at. I see one downside, you can't directly
connect it to a monitor, you need software and I see some have had a
problem with the software. Seems stupid to not have a direct video out.
  Also, one reviewer was disappointed he could not see a whole penny
in the monitor. That does seem like a small area, another viewer said
you can remove the camera/monitor from the support arm and get farther
and still focus. I wonder.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07J4K3JV9/ref=psdc_2742273011_t3_B07KCHQC2C#customerReviews


This is the high side of what I want to spend. Looks like all 5 star
reviews except for two that had no picture from the start.
  Anyone have recommendations?

I've found magnifying devices to be difficult to recommend,
since they are /very/ dependent on
 - individual's eyesight
 - specific requirements
 - individual preference

As an example, although I've been taking stereoscopic photos
since 1984, I find stereo microscopes almost impossible to use.
There is an exception to that: I found an old (?pair?) very
cheaply in a college that was closing down, and it is a delight
to use. I believe the magnification is 12* and 24*, but can't
be sure. The lower magnification is usually sufficient for
looking at joints, but I occasionally use the latter.

I've also tried cheap "digital" microscopes and am not a
fan, but that is very personal.

Hence my strong recommendation is to try cheap alternatives,
before spending large amounts on something that might not
suit /you/.

I have found cheap head-mounted visors surprisingly useful:
 - can wear with glasses
 - choose magnification for the specific task
 - can have two lenses "in series" for higher magnification
 - use at any angle and position, as convenient

Widely available example:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Rolson-60390-Loupe-Magnifier-Visor/dp/B001MJ0JW2

I have the optivisior with a loupe installed, I use it a lot, but the
down side is the more magnification you use the closer you need to get
to the object, until you are to close to the work to work.
I may have an addition problem, I had Amblyopia (lazy eye) as a child,
they did correction between 5 and 10 yrs old, but still even with
correction, they never quite get it to 20-20 vision. But even today they
don't work together as well as they should. I once took a drivers eye
exam and read of the first line with my good eye and she said, how about
the other eye, I didn't see anything. She said it's there! I closed my
good eye and saw it, read it off and passed, that was a first.
Appreciate the info, but not sure I'd be happy with a stereo
microscope. I have a possible lead on one I used on occaision when I was
working, I'll see if it is available, for at least a test.

Thank, Mikek

 

[Tom Gardner]

On 23/07/19 14:41, amdx wrote:

On 7/23/2019 3:51 AM, Tom Gardner wrote:
On 23/07/19 03:11, amdx wrote:
  I'm looking to purchase a digital microscope. I have no single use for it
although I would occasionally use it to solder smd parts, I've also just
bought knife sharpening stones and would like to get a better look than the
30x hand hold Tasco magnifier I fought with last night. I would
use it for general fun, with the wants above. I'd really like the x1000 but I
don't think that's compatible with a soldering microscope and more than I
need anyway.
   The built in monitor seems like a nice addition, it's right there in your
viewing angle, nothing to hookup, just set it on the bench and go.
But, others may think that 50r 7 times more magnification from a large
monitor is useful.

  This is one I'm looking at. I see one downside, you can't directly connect
it to a monitor, you need software and I see some have had a problem with the
software. Seems stupid to not have a direct video out.
  Also, one reviewer was disappointed he could not see a whole penny in the
monitor. That does seem like a small area, another viewer said you can remove
the camera/monitor from the support arm and get farther and still focus. I
wonder.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07J4K3JV9/ref=psdc_2742273011_t3_B07KCHQC2C#customerReviews


This is the high side of what I want to spend. Looks like all 5 star reviews
except for two that had no picture from the start.
  Anyone have recommendations?

I've found magnifying devices to be difficult to recommend,
since they are /very/ dependent on
  - individual's eyesight
  - specific requirements
  - individual preference

As an example, although I've been taking stereoscopic photos
since 1984, I find stereo microscopes almost impossible to use.
There is an exception to that: I found an old (?pair?) very
cheaply in a college that was closing down, and it is a delight
to use. I believe the magnification is 12* and 24*, but can't
be sure. The lower magnification is usually sufficient for
looking at joints, but I occasionally use the latter.

I've also tried cheap "digital" microscopes and am not a
fan, but that is very personal.

Hence my strong recommendation is to try cheap alternatives,
before spending large amounts on something that might not
suit /you/.

I have found cheap head-mounted visors surprisingly useful:
  - can wear with glasses
  - choose magnification for the specific task
  - can have two lenses "in series" for higher magnification
  - use at any angle and position, as convenient

Widely available example:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Rolson-60390-Loupe-Magnifier-Visor/dp/B001MJ0JW2

 I have the optivisior with a loupe installed, I use it a lot, but the down
side is the more magnification you use the closer you need to get to the object,
until you are to close to the work to work.
  I may have an addition problem, I had Amblyopia (lazy eye) as a child,
 they did correction between 5 and 10 yrs old, but still even with correction,
they never quite get it to 20-20 vision. But even today they don't work together
as well as they should. I once took a drivers eye exam and read of the first
line with my good eye and she said, how about the other eye, I didn't see
anything. She said it's there! I closed my good eye and saw it, read it off and
passed, that was a first.
 Appreciate the info, but not sure I'd be happy with a stereo microscope. I
have a possible lead on one I used on occaision when I was working, I'll see if
it is available, for at least a test.

All understood and accepted - and a good illustration of
just how personal this is.

One other approach is that used by dentists and surgeons;
it appears as if they have telescopes glued to their
glasses. I have never tried those, but I would presume
that it would be necessary to have both inter-ocular
and toe-in adjustments.

I suspect a suitable search term is "dental loupe"
or "surgical loupe".

 

On Tuesday, 23 July 2019 03:11:50 UTC+1, amdx wrote:

I'm looking to purchase a digital microscope. I have no single use for
it although I would occasionally use it to solder smd parts, I've also
just bought knife sharpening stones and would like to get a better look
than the 30x hand hold Tasco magnifier I fought with last night. I would

A bit OT but I find sharpening stones the least useful option.
Especially when trying to see to solder


NT

 

[amdx]

On 7/23/2019 9:10 AM, Tom Gardner wrote:

On 23/07/19 14:41, amdx wrote:
On 7/23/2019 3:51 AM, Tom Gardner wrote:
On 23/07/19 03:11, amdx wrote:
  I'm looking to purchase a digital microscope. I have no single use
for it although I would occasionally use it to solder smd parts,
I've also just bought knife sharpening stones and would like to get
a better look than the 30x hand hold Tasco magnifier I fought with
last night. I would
use it for general fun, with the wants above. I'd really like the
x1000 but I don't think that's compatible with a soldering
microscope and more than I need anyway.
   The built in monitor seems like a nice addition, it's right there
in your viewing angle, nothing to hookup, just set it on the bench
and go.
But, others may think that 50r 7 times more magnification from a
large monitor is useful.

  This is one I'm looking at. I see one downside, you can't directly
connect it to a monitor, you need software and I see some have had a
problem with the software. Seems stupid to not have a direct video out.
  Also, one reviewer was disappointed he could not see a whole penny
in the monitor. That does seem like a small area, another viewer
said you can remove the camera/monitor from the support arm and get
farther and still focus. I wonder.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07J4K3JV9/ref=psdc_2742273011_t3_B07KCHQC2C#customerReviews


This is the high side of what I want to spend. Looks like all 5 star
reviews except for two that had no picture from the start.
  Anyone have recommendations?

I've found magnifying devices to be difficult to recommend,
since they are /very/ dependent on
  - individual's eyesight
  - specific requirements
  - individual preference

As an example, although I've been taking stereoscopic photos
since 1984, I find stereo microscopes almost impossible to use.
There is an exception to that: I found an old (?pair?) very
cheaply in a college that was closing down, and it is a delight
to use. I believe the magnification is 12* and 24*, but can't
be sure. The lower magnification is usually sufficient for
looking at joints, but I occasionally use the latter.

I've also tried cheap "digital" microscopes and am not a
fan, but that is very personal.

Hence my strong recommendation is to try cheap alternatives,
before spending large amounts on something that might not
suit /you/.

I have found cheap head-mounted visors surprisingly useful:
  - can wear with glasses
  - choose magnification for the specific task
  - can have two lenses "in series" for higher magnification
  - use at any angle and position, as convenient

Widely available example:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Rolson-60390-Loupe-Magnifier-Visor/dp/B001MJ0JW2


  I have the optivisior with a loupe installed, I use it a lot, but
the down side is the more magnification you use the closer you need to
get to the object, until you are to close to the work to work.
   I may have an addition problem, I had Amblyopia (lazy eye) as a child,
  they did correction between 5 and 10 yrs old, but still even with
correction, they never quite get it to 20-20 vision. But even today
they don't work together as well as they should. I once took a drivers
eye exam and read of the first line with my good eye and she said, how
about the other eye, I didn't see anything. She said it's there! I
closed my good eye and saw it, read it off and passed, that was a first.
  Appreciate the info, but not sure I'd be happy with a stereo
microscope. I have a possible lead on one I used on occaision when I
was working, I'll see if it is available, for at least a test.

All understood and accepted - and a good illustration of
just how personal this is.

One other approach is that used by dentists and surgeons;
it appears as if they have telescopes glued to their
glasses. I have never tried those, but I would presume
that it would be necessary to have both inter-ocular
and toe-in adjustments.

I suspect a suitable search term is "dental loupe"
or "surgical loupe".

Yes, I have wanted those for many years, and ask my dental hygienists
about the ones they wore, back many years ago when I ask, they were
talking $550 or $600. I should have bought them then, I have a daughter
in dental school, (I) recently paid for her loupes to the tune of
$2,500. I'm sure I could get something cheaper, but to her (my) money
seems to be of no concern I tried them on but the "inter-ocular
and toe-in adjustments" were just to far off and I could not see anything.
I did call about the microscope I used to do a little work with and
will know Thursday if it is available. That one will be good for
soldering, but I may still want something higher power.
Spending my retirement money, we saved for 37 years, time to enjoy
some of it, (but not to much of it). After living a frugal life for so
long it is hard to be spendy or not look at how to save money on everything.

Mikek

 

[Tom Gardner]

On 23/07/19 19:42, amdx wrote:

On 7/23/2019 9:10 AM, Tom Gardner wrote:
On 23/07/19 14:41, amdx wrote:
On 7/23/2019 3:51 AM, Tom Gardner wrote:
On 23/07/19 03:11, amdx wrote:
  I'm looking to purchase a digital microscope. I have no single use for it
although I would occasionally use it to solder smd parts, I've also just
bought knife sharpening stones and would like to get a better look than the
30x hand hold Tasco magnifier I fought with last night. I would
use it for general fun, with the wants above. I'd really like the x1000 but
I don't think that's compatible with a soldering microscope and more than I
need anyway.
   The built in monitor seems like a nice addition, it's right there in
your viewing angle, nothing to hookup, just set it on the bench and go.
But, others may think that 50r 7 times more magnification from a large
monitor is useful.

  This is one I'm looking at. I see one downside, you can't directly
connect it to a monitor, you need software and I see some have had a
problem with the software. Seems stupid to not have a direct video out.
  Also, one reviewer was disappointed he could not see a whole penny in the
monitor. That does seem like a small area, another viewer said you can
remove the camera/monitor from the support arm and get farther and still
focus. I wonder.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07J4K3JV9/ref=psdc_2742273011_t3_B07KCHQC2C#customerReviews


This is the high side of what I want to spend. Looks like all 5 star
reviews except for two that had no picture from the start.
  Anyone have recommendations?

I've found magnifying devices to be difficult to recommend,
since they are /very/ dependent on
  - individual's eyesight
  - specific requirements
  - individual preference

As an example, although I've been taking stereoscopic photos
since 1984, I find stereo microscopes almost impossible to use.
There is an exception to that: I found an old (?pair?) very
cheaply in a college that was closing down, and it is a delight
to use. I believe the magnification is 12* and 24*, but can't
be sure. The lower magnification is usually sufficient for
looking at joints, but I occasionally use the latter.

I've also tried cheap "digital" microscopes and am not a
fan, but that is very personal.

Hence my strong recommendation is to try cheap alternatives,
before spending large amounts on something that might not
suit /you/.

I have found cheap head-mounted visors surprisingly useful:
  - can wear with glasses
  - choose magnification for the specific task
  - can have two lenses "in series" for higher magnification
  - use at any angle and position, as convenient

Widely available example:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Rolson-60390-Loupe-Magnifier-Visor/dp/B001MJ0JW2

  I have the optivisior with a loupe installed, I use it a lot, but the down
side is the more magnification you use the closer you need to get to the
object, until you are to close to the work to work.
   I may have an addition problem, I had Amblyopia (lazy eye) as a child,
  they did correction between 5 and 10 yrs old, but still even with
correction, they never quite get it to 20-20 vision. But even today they
don't work together as well as they should. I once took a drivers eye exam
and read of the first line with my good eye and she said, how about the other
eye, I didn't see anything. She said it's there! I closed my good eye and saw
it, read it off and passed, that was a first.
  Appreciate the info, but not sure I'd be happy with a stereo microscope. I
have a possible lead on one I used on occaision when I was working, I'll see
if it is available, for at least a test.

All understood and accepted - and a good illustration of
just how personal this is.

One other approach is that used by dentists and surgeons;
it appears as if they have telescopes glued to their
glasses. I have never tried those, but I would presume
that it would be necessary to have both inter-ocular
and toe-in adjustments.

I suspect a suitable search term is "dental loupe"
or "surgical loupe".

 Yes, I have wanted those for many years, and ask my dental hygienists about
the ones they wore, back many years ago when I ask, they were talking $550 or
$600. I should have bought them then, I have a daughter in dental school, (I)
recently paid for her loupes to the tune of $2,500. I'm sure I could get
something cheaper, but to her (my) money seems to be of no concern I tried
them on but the "inter-ocular
and toe-in adjustments" were just to far off and I could not see anything.
 I did call about the microscope I used to do a little work with and will know
Thursday if it is available. That one will be good for soldering, but I may
still want something higher power.

See what you can see on fleabay. In cases like this, an ounce
of practical trial is a worth a pound of theorising. Particularly
if an ounce only costs pence/cents!

 Spending my retirement money, we saved for 37 years, time to enjoy some of it,
(but not to much of it). After living a frugal life for so long it is hard to be
spendy or not look at how to save money on everything.

Yes, I know that feeling /exactly/, only too well.

I console myself with the best definition of an engineer:
someone that can do for $1 what any fool can do for ÂŁ10.

Alternatively, I was talking to and helping an acquaintance
that had a stroke. He mentioned that he had some savings,
for a rainy day. We agreed it was a rainy day.

So, will spending some money give you a commensurate level
of pleasure?

 

[Lasse Langwadt Christense]

tirsdag den 23. juli 2019 kl. 20.42.15 UTC+2 skrev amdx:

On 7/23/2019 9:10 AM, Tom Gardner wrote:
On 23/07/19 14:41, amdx wrote:
On 7/23/2019 3:51 AM, Tom Gardner wrote:
On 23/07/19 03:11, amdx wrote:
  I'm looking to purchase a digital microscope. I have no single use
for it although I would occasionally use it to solder smd parts,
I've also just bought knife sharpening stones and would like to get
a better look than the 30x hand hold Tasco magnifier I fought with
last night. I would
use it for general fun, with the wants above. I'd really like the
x1000 but I don't think that's compatible with a soldering
microscope and more than I need anyway.
   The built in monitor seems like a nice addition, it's right there
in your viewing angle, nothing to hookup, just set it on the bench
and go.
But, others may think that 50r 7 times more magnification from a
large monitor is useful.

  This is one I'm looking at. I see one downside, you can't directly
connect it to a monitor, you need software and I see some have had a
problem with the software. Seems stupid to not have a direct video out.
  Also, one reviewer was disappointed he could not see a whole penny
in the monitor. That does seem like a small area, another viewer
said you can remove the camera/monitor from the support arm and get
farther and still focus. I wonder.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07J4K3JV9/ref=psdc_2742273011_t3_B07KCHQC2C#customerReviews


This is the high side of what I want to spend. Looks like all 5 star
reviews except for two that had no picture from the start.
  Anyone have recommendations?

I've found magnifying devices to be difficult to recommend,
since they are /very/ dependent on
  - individual's eyesight
  - specific requirements
  - individual preference

As an example, although I've been taking stereoscopic photos
since 1984, I find stereo microscopes almost impossible to use.
There is an exception to that: I found an old (?pair?) very
cheaply in a college that was closing down, and it is a delight
to use. I believe the magnification is 12* and 24*, but can't
be sure. The lower magnification is usually sufficient for
looking at joints, but I occasionally use the latter.

I've also tried cheap "digital" microscopes and am not a
fan, but that is very personal.

Hence my strong recommendation is to try cheap alternatives,
before spending large amounts on something that might not
suit /you/.

I have found cheap head-mounted visors surprisingly useful:
  - can wear with glasses
  - choose magnification for the specific task
  - can have two lenses "in series" for higher magnification
  - use at any angle and position, as convenient

Widely available example:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Rolson-60390-Loupe-Magnifier-Visor/dp/B001MJ0JW2


  I have the optivisior with a loupe installed, I use it a lot, but
the down side is the more magnification you use the closer you need to
get to the object, until you are to close to the work to work.
   I may have an addition problem, I had Amblyopia (lazy eye) as a child,
  they did correction between 5 and 10 yrs old, but still even with
correction, they never quite get it to 20-20 vision. But even today
they don't work together as well as they should. I once took a drivers
eye exam and read of the first line with my good eye and she said, how
about the other eye, I didn't see anything. She said it's there! I
closed my good eye and saw it, read it off and passed, that was a first.
  Appreciate the info, but not sure I'd be happy with a stereo
microscope. I have a possible lead on one I used on occaision when I
was working, I'll see if it is available, for at least a test.

All understood and accepted - and a good illustration of
just how personal this is.

One other approach is that used by dentists and surgeons;
it appears as if they have telescopes glued to their
glasses. I have never tried those, but I would presume
that it would be necessary to have both inter-ocular
and toe-in adjustments.

I suspect a suitable search term is "dental loupe"
or "surgical loupe".

Yes, I have wanted those for many years, and ask my dental hygienists
about the ones they wore, back many years ago when I ask, they were
talking $550 or $600. I should have bought them then, I have a daughter
in dental school, (I) recently paid for her loupes to the tune of
$2,500. I'm sure I could get something cheaper, but to her (my) money
seems to be of no concern I tried them on but the "inter-ocular
and toe-in adjustments" were just to far off and I could not see anything..
I did call about the microscope I used to do a little work with and
will know Thursday if it is available. That one will be good for
soldering, but I may still want something higher power.
Spending my retirement money, we saved for 37 years, time to enjoy
some of it, (but not to much of it). After living a frugal life for so
long it is hard to be spendy or not look at how to save money on everything.

Mikek

https://www.ebay.com/itm/LED-Eye-Jeweler-Watch-Repair-Magnifying-Glasses-Magnifier-Loupe-10-15-20-25X/233006479334

?

 

[amdx]

On 7/23/2019 9:46 AM, tabbypurr@gmail.com wrote:

On Tuesday, 23 July 2019 03:11:50 UTC+1, amdx wrote:
I'm looking to purchase a digital microscope. I have no single use for
it although I would occasionally use it to solder smd parts, I've also
just bought knife sharpening stones and would like to get a better look
than the 30x hand hold Tasco magnifier I fought with last night. I would

A bit OT but I find sharpening stones the least useful option.
Especially when trying to see to solder


NT

Yep, no need to see the edge, when it's sharp you will know.
But I found it interesting while researching sharpening, seeing the
actual cuts on the bevel from the grit. When I got a blade sharp and
looked at the magnified bevel, I still had coarse grit cuts, so needed
more medium work before the fine work and leather.
I thought I had a sharp knife when I could slice paper, but then saw
a video of just the blade weight cutting I needed to do better.

0:15 long
> https://youtu.be/JXuEHbATUg8?t=840

Mikek

 

[Clifford Heath]

On 24/7/19 5:39 am, Tom Gardner wrote:

On 23/07/19 19:42, amdx wrote:
On 7/23/2019 9:10 AM, Tom Gardner wrote:
On 23/07/19 14:41, amdx wrote:
On 7/23/2019 3:51 AM, Tom Gardner wrote:
On 23/07/19 03:11, amdx wrote:
  I'm looking to purchase a digital microscope. I have no single
use for it although I would occasionally use it to solder smd
parts, I've also just bought knife sharpening stones and would
like to get a better look than the 30x hand hold Tasco magnifier I
fought with last night. I would
use it for general fun, with the wants above. I'd really like the
x1000 but I don't think that's compatible with a soldering
microscope and more than I need anyway.
   The built in monitor seems like a nice addition, it's right
there in your viewing angle, nothing to hookup, just set it on the
bench and go.
But, others may think that 50r 7 times more magnification from a
large monitor is useful.

  This is one I'm looking at. I see one downside, you can't
directly connect it to a monitor, you need software and I see some
have had a problem with the software. Seems stupid to not have a
direct video out.
  Also, one reviewer was disappointed he could not see a whole
penny in the monitor. That does seem like a small area, another
viewer said you can remove the camera/monitor from the support arm
and get farther and still focus. I wonder.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07J4K3JV9/ref=psdc_2742273011_t3_B07KCHQC2C#customerReviews


This is the high side of what I want to spend. Looks like all 5
star reviews except for two that had no picture from the start.
  Anyone have recommendations?

I've found magnifying devices to be difficult to recommend,
since they are /very/ dependent on
  - individual's eyesight
  - specific requirements
  - individual preference

As an example, although I've been taking stereoscopic photos
since 1984, I find stereo microscopes almost impossible to use.
There is an exception to that: I found an old (?pair?) very
cheaply in a college that was closing down, and it is a delight
to use. I believe the magnification is 12* and 24*, but can't
be sure. The lower magnification is usually sufficient for
looking at joints, but I occasionally use the latter.

I've also tried cheap "digital" microscopes and am not a
fan, but that is very personal.

Hence my strong recommendation is to try cheap alternatives,
before spending large amounts on something that might not
suit /you/.

I have found cheap head-mounted visors surprisingly useful:
  - can wear with glasses
  - choose magnification for the specific task
  - can have two lenses "in series" for higher magnification
  - use at any angle and position, as convenient

Widely available example:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Rolson-60390-Loupe-Magnifier-Visor/dp/B001MJ0JW2


  I have the optivisior with a loupe installed, I use it a lot, but
the down side is the more magnification you use the closer you need
to get to the object, until you are to close to the work to work.
   I may have an addition problem, I had Amblyopia (lazy eye) as a
child,
  they did correction between 5 and 10 yrs old, but still even with
correction, they never quite get it to 20-20 vision. But even today
they don't work together as well as they should. I once took a
drivers eye exam and read of the first line with my good eye and she
said, how about the other eye, I didn't see anything. She said it's
there! I closed my good eye and saw it, read it off and passed, that
was a first.
  Appreciate the info, but not sure I'd be happy with a stereo
microscope. I have a possible lead on one I used on occaision when I
was working, I'll see if it is available, for at least a test.

All understood and accepted - and a good illustration of
just how personal this is.

One other approach is that used by dentists and surgeons;
it appears as if they have telescopes glued to their
glasses. I have never tried those, but I would presume
that it would be necessary to have both inter-ocular
and toe-in adjustments.

I suspect a suitable search term is "dental loupe"
or "surgical loupe".

  Yes, I have wanted those for many years, and ask my dental
hygienists about the ones they wore, back many years ago when I ask,
they were talking $550 or $600. I should have bought them then, I have
a daughter in dental school, (I) recently paid for her loupes to the
tune of $2,500. I'm sure I could get something cheaper, but to her
(my) money seems to be of no concern I tried them on but the
"inter-ocular
and toe-in adjustments" were just to far off and I could not see
anything.
  I did call about the microscope I used to do a little work with and
will know Thursday if it is available. That one will be good for
soldering, but I may still want something higher power.

See what you can see on fleabay. In cases like this, an ounce
of practical trial is a worth a pound of theorising. Particularly
if an ounce only costs pence/cents!

I have mid-quality dual loupes. I rarely use them, because they are not
prismatic, so I need to cross my eyes to use them and that's tiring. The
expensive eye telescopes used by surgeons have prisms to allow you to
look straight ahead at a highly enlarged image that's close, but not too
close (to allow your hands to work). I would buy a pair of those if the
price was reasonable, but mostly I just use the headband magnifier (over
my reading glasses, for astigma correction).

Clifford Heath.

 

[whit3rd]

On Monday, July 22, 2019 at 7:11:50 PM UTC-7, amdx wrote:

I'm looking to purchase a digital microscope. I have no single use for
it although I would occasionally use it to solder smd parts...

Consider an optical stereo microscope (dissecting microscope); this will let you see
the components AND the iron AND the joint, with enough depth perception that
it'll be easy to stab the tiny tip of the iron at the grain-of-salt-sized component,
without undue attention to feeling the tiny pressures while half-blind.

Digital microscopes could do well, but there aren't any inexpensive ones that
do 3-D (there's no easy way to get real-time synchronization of the cameras).
Digital microscopes have a major focus problem, because your eye's accommodation
does nothing for you; it is possible to focus your eyes on the screen, but that
won't de-blur the image unless the camera has some kind of autofocus feature
as well (some digital cameras DO have this, and a point-and-shoot digital
camera might be combined with a closeup lens).

A lens in front of your eyes has the autofocus feature of... your eyes. So, it's easy
to use for a soldering iron slightly outside the focus (which will normally
be on the PCB and its solder fillets).

Many available 'digital microscopes' are just low-res webcams that have
a close-focusing lens. Ideally, you'd want autofocus, high resolution, and
illumination direction control, as well as a large easy-to-see display. What you
get, is an illlumination dimmer knob.

The surgical optics things are basically just opera glasses with very good fitting.
They're good at one distance, for one user, and this is the kind my dentist
likes <https://www.designsforvision.com/DentHtml/DStdTel.htm>

 

[Rick C]

On Tuesday, July 23, 2019 at 2:58:08 PM UTC-4, Lasse Langwadt Christensen wrote:

tirsdag den 23. juli 2019 kl. 20.42.15 UTC+2 skrev amdx:
On 7/23/2019 9:10 AM, Tom Gardner wrote:
On 23/07/19 14:41, amdx wrote:
On 7/23/2019 3:51 AM, Tom Gardner wrote:
On 23/07/19 03:11, amdx wrote:
  I'm looking to purchase a digital microscope. I have no single use
for it although I would occasionally use it to solder smd parts,
I've also just bought knife sharpening stones and would like to get
a better look than the 30x hand hold Tasco magnifier I fought with
last night. I would
use it for general fun, with the wants above. I'd really like the
x1000 but I don't think that's compatible with a soldering
microscope and more than I need anyway.
   The built in monitor seems like a nice addition, it's right there
in your viewing angle, nothing to hookup, just set it on the bench
and go.
But, others may think that 50r 7 times more magnification from a
large monitor is useful.

  This is one I'm looking at. I see one downside, you can't directly
connect it to a monitor, you need software and I see some have had a
problem with the software. Seems stupid to not have a direct video out.
  Also, one reviewer was disappointed he could not see a whole penny
in the monitor. That does seem like a small area, another viewer
said you can remove the camera/monitor from the support arm and get
farther and still focus. I wonder.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07J4K3JV9/ref=psdc_2742273011_t3_B07KCHQC2C#customerReviews


This is the high side of what I want to spend. Looks like all 5 star
reviews except for two that had no picture from the start.
  Anyone have recommendations?

I've found magnifying devices to be difficult to recommend,
since they are /very/ dependent on
  - individual's eyesight
  - specific requirements
  - individual preference

As an example, although I've been taking stereoscopic photos
since 1984, I find stereo microscopes almost impossible to use.
There is an exception to that: I found an old (?pair?) very
cheaply in a college that was closing down, and it is a delight
to use. I believe the magnification is 12* and 24*, but can't
be sure. The lower magnification is usually sufficient for
looking at joints, but I occasionally use the latter.

I've also tried cheap "digital" microscopes and am not a
fan, but that is very personal.

Hence my strong recommendation is to try cheap alternatives,
before spending large amounts on something that might not
suit /you/.

I have found cheap head-mounted visors surprisingly useful:
  - can wear with glasses
  - choose magnification for the specific task
  - can have two lenses "in series" for higher magnification
  - use at any angle and position, as convenient

Widely available example:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Rolson-60390-Loupe-Magnifier-Visor/dp/B001MJ0JW2


  I have the optivisior with a loupe installed, I use it a lot, but
the down side is the more magnification you use the closer you need to
get to the object, until you are to close to the work to work.
   I may have an addition problem, I had Amblyopia (lazy eye) as a child,
  they did correction between 5 and 10 yrs old, but still even with
correction, they never quite get it to 20-20 vision. But even today
they don't work together as well as they should. I once took a drivers
eye exam and read of the first line with my good eye and she said, how
about the other eye, I didn't see anything. She said it's there! I
closed my good eye and saw it, read it off and passed, that was a first.
  Appreciate the info, but not sure I'd be happy with a stereo
microscope. I have a possible lead on one I used on occaision when I
was working, I'll see if it is available, for at least a test.

All understood and accepted - and a good illustration of
just how personal this is.

One other approach is that used by dentists and surgeons;
it appears as if they have telescopes glued to their
glasses. I have never tried those, but I would presume
that it would be necessary to have both inter-ocular
and toe-in adjustments.

I suspect a suitable search term is "dental loupe"
or "surgical loupe".

Yes, I have wanted those for many years, and ask my dental hygienists
about the ones they wore, back many years ago when I ask, they were
talking $550 or $600. I should have bought them then, I have a daughter
in dental school, (I) recently paid for her loupes to the tune of
$2,500. I'm sure I could get something cheaper, but to her (my) money
seems to be of no concern I tried them on but the "inter-ocular
and toe-in adjustments" were just to far off and I could not see anything.
I did call about the microscope I used to do a little work with and
will know Thursday if it is available. That one will be good for
soldering, but I may still want something higher power.
Spending my retirement money, we saved for 37 years, time to enjoy
some of it, (but not to much of it). After living a frugal life for so
long it is hard to be spendy or not look at how to save money on everything.

Mikek

https://www.ebay.com/itm/LED-Eye-Jeweler-Watch-Repair-Magnifying-Glasses-Magnifier-Loupe-10-15-20-25X/233006479334

?

My god those have to be crummy things. I'm sure they have cheap plastic lenses. I buy inexpensive magnifying lenses and they aren't worth having. If you aren't paying at least a few hundred the lenses will be crap.

--

Rick C.

- Get a 1,000 miles of free Supercharging
- Tesla referral code - https://ts.la/richard11209

 

[amdx]

On 7/23/2019 1:58 PM, Lasse Langwadt Christensen wrote:

tirsdag den 23. juli 2019 kl. 20.42.15 UTC+2 skrev amdx:
On 7/23/2019 9:10 AM, Tom Gardner wrote:
On 23/07/19 14:41, amdx wrote:
On 7/23/2019 3:51 AM, Tom Gardner wrote:
On 23/07/19 03:11, amdx wrote:
  I'm looking to purchase a digital microscope. I have no single use
for it although I would occasionally use it to solder smd parts,
I've also just bought knife sharpening stones and would like to get
a better look than the 30x hand hold Tasco magnifier I fought with
last night. I would
use it for general fun, with the wants above. I'd really like the
x1000 but I don't think that's compatible with a soldering
microscope and more than I need anyway.
   The built in monitor seems like a nice addition, it's right there
in your viewing angle, nothing to hookup, just set it on the bench
and go.
But, others may think that 50r 7 times more magnification from a
large monitor is useful.

  This is one I'm looking at. I see one downside, you can't directly
connect it to a monitor, you need software and I see some have had a
problem with the software. Seems stupid to not have a direct video out.
  Also, one reviewer was disappointed he could not see a whole penny
in the monitor. That does seem like a small area, another viewer
said you can remove the camera/monitor from the support arm and get
farther and still focus. I wonder.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07J4K3JV9/ref=psdc_2742273011_t3_B07KCHQC2C#customerReviews


This is the high side of what I want to spend. Looks like all 5 star
reviews except for two that had no picture from the start.
  Anyone have recommendations?

I've found magnifying devices to be difficult to recommend,
since they are /very/ dependent on
  - individual's eyesight
  - specific requirements
  - individual preference

As an example, although I've been taking stereoscopic photos
since 1984, I find stereo microscopes almost impossible to use.
There is an exception to that: I found an old (?pair?) very
cheaply in a college that was closing down, and it is a delight
to use. I believe the magnification is 12* and 24*, but can't
be sure. The lower magnification is usually sufficient for
looking at joints, but I occasionally use the latter.

I've also tried cheap "digital" microscopes and am not a
fan, but that is very personal.

Hence my strong recommendation is to try cheap alternatives,
before spending large amounts on something that might not
suit /you/.

I have found cheap head-mounted visors surprisingly useful:
  - can wear with glasses
  - choose magnification for the specific task
  - can have two lenses "in series" for higher magnification
  - use at any angle and position, as convenient

Widely available example:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Rolson-60390-Loupe-Magnifier-Visor/dp/B001MJ0JW2


  I have the optivisior with a loupe installed, I use it a lot, but
the down side is the more magnification you use the closer you need to
get to the object, until you are to close to the work to work.
   I may have an addition problem, I had Amblyopia (lazy eye) as a child,
  they did correction between 5 and 10 yrs old, but still even with
correction, they never quite get it to 20-20 vision. But even today
they don't work together as well as they should. I once took a drivers
eye exam and read of the first line with my good eye and she said, how
about the other eye, I didn't see anything. She said it's there! I
closed my good eye and saw it, read it off and passed, that was a first.
  Appreciate the info, but not sure I'd be happy with a stereo
microscope. I have a possible lead on one I used on occaision when I
was working, I'll see if it is available, for at least a test.

All understood and accepted - and a good illustration of
just how personal this is.

One other approach is that used by dentists and surgeons;
it appears as if they have telescopes glued to their
glasses. I have never tried those, but I would presume
that it would be necessary to have both inter-ocular
and toe-in adjustments.

I suspect a suitable search term is "dental loupe"
or "surgical loupe".

Yes, I have wanted those for many years, and ask my dental hygienists
about the ones they wore, back many years ago when I ask, they were
talking $550 or $600. I should have bought them then, I have a daughter
in dental school, (I) recently paid for her loupes to the tune of
$2,500. I'm sure I could get something cheaper, but to her (my) money
seems to be of no concern I tried them on but the "inter-ocular
and toe-in adjustments" were just to far off and I could not see anything.
I did call about the microscope I used to do a little work with and
will know Thursday if it is available. That one will be good for
soldering, but I may still want something higher power.
Spending my retirement money, we saved for 37 years, time to enjoy
some of it, (but not to much of it). After living a frugal life for so
long it is hard to be spendy or not look at how to save money on everything.

Mikek

https://www.ebay.com/itm/LED-Eye-Jeweler-Watch-Repair-Magnifying-Glasses-Magnifier-Loupe-10-15-20-25X/233006479334

?

I'll let you know how bad or good it is, I spent an extra $3.20 to
purchase it stateside.
> https://www.ebay.com/itm/10-15-20-25X-LED-Eye-Jeweler-Watch-Repair-Magnifying-Glasses-Magnifier-Loupe-USA/222536424533?_trkparms=aid%3D333204%26algo%3DCOMP.THEME%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D59177%26meid%3D401d58ab140d462bb4628f6872184ceb%26pid%3D100008%26rk%3D1%26rkt%3D1%26sd%3D233006479334%26itm%3D222536424533%26pg%3D2047675&_trksid=p2047675.c100008.m2219

 

[amdx]

On 7/23/2019 2:39 PM, Tom Gardner wrote:

On 23/07/19 19:42, amdx wrote:
On 7/23/2019 9:10 AM, Tom Gardner wrote:
On 23/07/19 14:41, amdx wrote:
On 7/23/2019 3:51 AM, Tom Gardner wrote:
On 23/07/19 03:11, amdx wrote:
  I'm looking to purchase a digital microscope. I have no single
use for it although I would occasionally use it to solder smd
parts, I've also just bought knife sharpening stones and would
like to get a better look than the 30x hand hold Tasco magnifier I
fought with last night. I would
use it for general fun, with the wants above. I'd really like the
x1000 but I don't think that's compatible with a soldering
microscope and more than I need anyway.
   The built in monitor seems like a nice addition, it's right
there in your viewing angle, nothing to hookup, just set it on the
bench and go.
But, others may think that 50r 7 times more magnification from a
large monitor is useful.

  This is one I'm looking at. I see one downside, you can't
directly connect it to a monitor, you need software and I see some
have had a problem with the software. Seems stupid to not have a
direct video out.
  Also, one reviewer was disappointed he could not see a whole
penny in the monitor. That does seem like a small area, another
viewer said you can remove the camera/monitor from the support arm
and get farther and still focus. I wonder.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07J4K3JV9/ref=psdc_2742273011_t3_B07KCHQC2C#customerReviews


This is the high side of what I want to spend. Looks like all 5
star reviews except for two that had no picture from the start.
  Anyone have recommendations?

I've found magnifying devices to be difficult to recommend,
since they are /very/ dependent on
  - individual's eyesight
  - specific requirements
  - individual preference

As an example, although I've been taking stereoscopic photos
since 1984, I find stereo microscopes almost impossible to use.
There is an exception to that: I found an old (?pair?) very
cheaply in a college that was closing down, and it is a delight
to use. I believe the magnification is 12* and 24*, but can't
be sure. The lower magnification is usually sufficient for
looking at joints, but I occasionally use the latter.

I've also tried cheap "digital" microscopes and am not a
fan, but that is very personal.

Hence my strong recommendation is to try cheap alternatives,
before spending large amounts on something that might not
suit /you/.

I have found cheap head-mounted visors surprisingly useful:
  - can wear with glasses
  - choose magnification for the specific task
  - can have two lenses "in series" for higher magnification
  - use at any angle and position, as convenient

Widely available example:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Rolson-60390-Loupe-Magnifier-Visor/dp/B001MJ0JW2


  I have the optivisior with a loupe installed, I use it a lot, but
the down side is the more magnification you use the closer you need
to get to the object, until you are to close to the work to work.
   I may have an addition problem, I had Amblyopia (lazy eye) as a
child,
  they did correction between 5 and 10 yrs old, but still even with
correction, they never quite get it to 20-20 vision. But even today
they don't work together as well as they should. I once took a
drivers eye exam and read of the first line with my good eye and she
said, how about the other eye, I didn't see anything. She said it's
there! I closed my good eye and saw it, read it off and passed, that
was a first.
  Appreciate the info, but not sure I'd be happy with a stereo
microscope. I have a possible lead on one I used on occaision when I
was working, I'll see if it is available, for at least a test.

All understood and accepted - and a good illustration of
just how personal this is.

One other approach is that used by dentists and surgeons;
it appears as if they have telescopes glued to their
glasses. I have never tried those, but I would presume
that it would be necessary to have both inter-ocular
and toe-in adjustments.

I suspect a suitable search term is "dental loupe"
or "surgical loupe".

  Yes, I have wanted those for many years, and ask my dental
hygienists about the ones they wore, back many years ago when I ask,
they were talking $550 or $600. I should have bought them then, I have
a daughter in dental school, (I) recently paid for her loupes to the
tune of $2,500. I'm sure I could get something cheaper, but to her
(my) money seems to be of no concern I tried them on but the
"inter-ocular
and toe-in adjustments" were just to far off and I could not see
anything.
  I did call about the microscope I used to do a little work with and
will know Thursday if it is available. That one will be good for
soldering, but I may still want something higher power.

See what you can see on fleabay. In cases like this, an ounce
of practical trial is a worth a pound of theorising. Particularly
if an ounce only costs pence/cents!



  Spending my retirement money, we saved for 37 years, time to enjoy
some of it, (but not to much of it). After living a frugal life for so
long it is hard to be spendy or not look at how to save money on
everything.

Yes, I know that feeling /exactly/, only too well.

I console myself with the best definition of an engineer:
someone that can do for $1 what any fool can do for ÂŁ10.

Alternatively, I was talking to and helping an acquaintance
that had a stroke. He mentioned that he had some savings,
for a rainy day. We agreed it was a rainy day.

So, will spending some money give you a commensurate level
of pleasure?

If I purchase a microscope or magnifying camera I'll get a kick out
of looking at whatever I see, I'm just curious, so it will be neat. Once
the money is spent I don't think about it.
Well sometimes, I just gave a lawyer $4,000 to get clean title to a
property I sold years ago. After I get the title and resell, then I get
to go after the deadbeat for any money I lost.
I'm having thoughts about trying to get a job as a bill collector just
to learn how to squeeze a deadbeat, that already told me he was
uncollectible, And btw he lives in an over $1,000,000 home in not a HCOL
state.

 

[amdx]

On 7/23/2019 2:39 PM, Tom Gardner wrote:

On 23/07/19 19:42, amdx wrote:
On 7/23/2019 9:10 AM, Tom Gardner wrote:
On 23/07/19 14:41, amdx wrote:
On 7/23/2019 3:51 AM, Tom Gardner wrote:
On 23/07/19 03:11, amdx wrote:
  I'm looking to purchase a digital microscope. I have no single
use for it although I would occasionally use it to solder smd
parts, I've also just bought knife sharpening stones and would
like to get a better look than the 30x hand hold Tasco magnifier I
fought with last night. I would
use it for general fun, with the wants above. I'd really like the
x1000 but I don't think that's compatible with a soldering
microscope and more than I need anyway.
   The built in monitor seems like a nice addition, it's right
there in your viewing angle, nothing to hookup, just set it on the
bench and go.
But, others may think that 50r 7 times more magnification from a
large monitor is useful.

  This is one I'm looking at. I see one downside, you can't
directly connect it to a monitor, you need software and I see some
have had a problem with the software. Seems stupid to not have a
direct video out.
  Also, one reviewer was disappointed he could not see a whole
penny in the monitor. That does seem like a small area, another
viewer said you can remove the camera/monitor from the support arm
and get farther and still focus. I wonder.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07J4K3JV9/ref=psdc_2742273011_t3_B07KCHQC2C#customerReviews


This is the high side of what I want to spend. Looks like all 5
star reviews except for two that had no picture from the start.
  Anyone have recommendations?

I've found magnifying devices to be difficult to recommend,
since they are /very/ dependent on
  - individual's eyesight
  - specific requirements
  - individual preference

As an example, although I've been taking stereoscopic photos
since 1984, I find stereo microscopes almost impossible to use.
There is an exception to that: I found an old (?pair?) very
cheaply in a college that was closing down, and it is a delight
to use. I believe the magnification is 12* and 24*, but can't
be sure. The lower magnification is usually sufficient for
looking at joints, but I occasionally use the latter.

I've also tried cheap "digital" microscopes and am not a
fan, but that is very personal.

Hence my strong recommendation is to try cheap alternatives,
before spending large amounts on something that might not
suit /you/.

I have found cheap head-mounted visors surprisingly useful:
  - can wear with glasses
  - choose magnification for the specific task
  - can have two lenses "in series" for higher magnification
  - use at any angle and position, as convenient

Widely available example:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Rolson-60390-Loupe-Magnifier-Visor/dp/B001MJ0JW2


  I have the optivisior with a loupe installed, I use it a lot, but
the down side is the more magnification you use the closer you need
to get to the object, until you are to close to the work to work.
   I may have an addition problem, I had Amblyopia (lazy eye) as a
child,
  they did correction between 5 and 10 yrs old, but still even with
correction, they never quite get it to 20-20 vision. But even today
they don't work together as well as they should. I once took a
drivers eye exam and read of the first line with my good eye and she
said, how about the other eye, I didn't see anything. She said it's
there! I closed my good eye and saw it, read it off and passed, that
was a first.
  Appreciate the info, but not sure I'd be happy with a stereo
microscope. I have a possible lead on one I used on occaision when I
was working, I'll see if it is available, for at least a test.

All understood and accepted - and a good illustration of
just how personal this is.

One other approach is that used by dentists and surgeons;
it appears as if they have telescopes glued to their
glasses. I have never tried those, but I would presume
that it would be necessary to have both inter-ocular
and toe-in adjustments.

I suspect a suitable search term is "dental loupe"
or "surgical loupe".

  Yes, I have wanted those for many years, and ask my dental
hygienists about the ones they wore, back many years ago when I ask,
they were talking $550 or $600. I should have bought them then, I have
a daughter in dental school, (I) recently paid for her loupes to the
tune of $2,500. I'm sure I could get something cheaper, but to her
(my) money seems to be of no concern I tried them on but the
"inter-ocular
and toe-in adjustments" were just to far off and I could not see
anything.
  I did call about the microscope I used to do a little work with and
will know Thursday if it is available. That one will be good for
soldering, but I may still want something higher power.

See what you can see on fleabay. In cases like this, an ounce
of practical trial is a worth a pound of theorising. Particularly
if an ounce only costs pence/cents!



  Spending my retirement money, we saved for 37 years, time to enjoy
some of it, (but not to much of it). After living a frugal life for so
long it is hard to be spendy or not look at how to save money on
everything.

Yes, I know that feeling /exactly/, only too well.

I console myself with the best definition of an engineer:
someone that can do for $1 what any fool can do for ÂŁ10.

Alternatively, I was talking to and helping an acquaintance
that had a stroke. He mentioned that he had some savings,
for a rainy day. We agreed it was a rainy day.

So, will spending some money give you a commensurate level
of pleasure?

A second response.
Just thought I'd add, one of the pleasures (we) do get is, we're paying
college tuition for both of my kids so they will not have any student
loans to start life with. If the democrats get in and make tax payers
payoff student loans I'll be pissed.
I could go off on a rant, but I won't unless someone else starts.

 

On Tuesday, July 23, 2019 at 7:07:18 PM UTC-4, amdx wrote:

On 7/23/2019 1:58 PM, Lasse Langwadt Christensen wrote:
tirsdag den 23. juli 2019 kl. 20.42.15 UTC+2 skrev amdx:
On 7/23/2019 9:10 AM, Tom Gardner wrote:
On 23/07/19 14:41, amdx wrote:
On 7/23/2019 3:51 AM, Tom Gardner wrote:
On 23/07/19 03:11, amdx wrote:
  I'm looking to purchase a digital microscope. I have no single use
for it although I would occasionally use it to solder smd parts,
I've also just bought knife sharpening stones and would like to get
a better look than the 30x hand hold Tasco magnifier I fought with
last night. I would
use it for general fun, with the wants above. I'd really like the
x1000 but I don't think that's compatible with a soldering
microscope and more than I need anyway.
   The built in monitor seems like a nice addition, it's right there
in your viewing angle, nothing to hookup, just set it on the bench
and go.
But, others may think that 50r 7 times more magnification from a
large monitor is useful.

  This is one I'm looking at. I see one downside, you can't directly
connect it to a monitor, you need software and I see some have had a
problem with the software. Seems stupid to not have a direct video out.
  Also, one reviewer was disappointed he could not see a whole penny
in the monitor. That does seem like a small area, another viewer
said you can remove the camera/monitor from the support arm and get
farther and still focus. I wonder.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07J4K3JV9/ref=psdc_2742273011_t3_B07KCHQC2C#customerReviews


This is the high side of what I want to spend. Looks like all 5 star
reviews except for two that had no picture from the start.
  Anyone have recommendations?

I've found magnifying devices to be difficult to recommend,
since they are /very/ dependent on
  - individual's eyesight
  - specific requirements
  - individual preference

As an example, although I've been taking stereoscopic photos
since 1984, I find stereo microscopes almost impossible to use.
There is an exception to that: I found an old (?pair?) very
cheaply in a college that was closing down, and it is a delight
to use. I believe the magnification is 12* and 24*, but can't
be sure. The lower magnification is usually sufficient for
looking at joints, but I occasionally use the latter.

I've also tried cheap "digital" microscopes and am not a
fan, but that is very personal.

Hence my strong recommendation is to try cheap alternatives,
before spending large amounts on something that might not
suit /you/.

I have found cheap head-mounted visors surprisingly useful:
  - can wear with glasses
  - choose magnification for the specific task
  - can have two lenses "in series" for higher magnification
  - use at any angle and position, as convenient

Widely available example:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Rolson-60390-Loupe-Magnifier-Visor/dp/B001MJ0JW2


  I have the optivisior with a loupe installed, I use it a lot, but
the down side is the more magnification you use the closer you need to
get to the object, until you are to close to the work to work.
   I may have an addition problem, I had Amblyopia (lazy eye) as a child,
  they did correction between 5 and 10 yrs old, but still even with
correction, they never quite get it to 20-20 vision. But even today
they don't work together as well as they should. I once took a drivers
eye exam and read of the first line with my good eye and she said, how
about the other eye, I didn't see anything. She said it's there! I
closed my good eye and saw it, read it off and passed, that was a first.
  Appreciate the info, but not sure I'd be happy with a stereo
microscope. I have a possible lead on one I used on occaision when I
was working, I'll see if it is available, for at least a test.

All understood and accepted - and a good illustration of
just how personal this is.

One other approach is that used by dentists and surgeons;
it appears as if they have telescopes glued to their
glasses. I have never tried those, but I would presume
that it would be necessary to have both inter-ocular
and toe-in adjustments.

I suspect a suitable search term is "dental loupe"
or "surgical loupe".

Yes, I have wanted those for many years, and ask my dental hygienists
about the ones they wore, back many years ago when I ask, they were
talking $550 or $600. I should have bought them then, I have a daughter
in dental school, (I) recently paid for her loupes to the tune of
$2,500. I'm sure I could get something cheaper, but to her (my) money
seems to be of no concern I tried them on but the "inter-ocular
and toe-in adjustments" were just to far off and I could not see anything.
I did call about the microscope I used to do a little work with and
will know Thursday if it is available. That one will be good for
soldering, but I may still want something higher power.
Spending my retirement money, we saved for 37 years, time to enjoy
some of it, (but not to much of it). After living a frugal life for so
long it is hard to be spendy or not look at how to save money on everything.

Mikek

https://www.ebay.com/itm/LED-Eye-Jeweler-Watch-Repair-Magnifying-Glasses-Magnifier-Loupe-10-15-20-25X/233006479334

?

I'll let you know how bad or good it is, I spent an extra $3.20 to
purchase it stateside.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/10-15-20-25X-LED-Eye-Jeweler-Watch-Repair-Magnifying-Glasses-Magnifier-Loupe-USA/222536424533?_trkparms=aid%3D333204%26algo%3DCOMP.THEME%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D59177%26meid%3D401d58ab140d462bb4628f6872184ceb%26pid%3D100008%26rk%3D1%26rkt%3D1%26sd%3D233006479334%26itm%3D222536424533%26pg%3D2047675&_trksid=p2047675.c100008.m2219

I bought the 2.5X version of these ($25):
https://www.ebay.com/p/3-5x-420mm-Headband-Dental-Surgical-Binocular-Loupes-Glasses-Lens-Magnifier/19026920761?iid=142904958683

They are optically quite passable, but 2.5X proved a bit too low
for SMD work.

The big advantage is the extended working distance.

Cheers,
James Arthur

 

[Dave Platt]

In article <7a42ddd9-5271-49a6-a506-9b03b5722719@googlegroups.com>,
whit3rd <whit3rd@gmail.com> wrote:

On Monday, July 22, 2019 at 7:11:50 PM UTC-7, amdx wrote:
I'm looking to purchase a digital microscope. I have no single use for
it although I would occasionally use it to solder smd parts...

Consider an optical stereo microscope (dissecting microscope); this will let you see
the components AND the iron AND the joint, with enough depth perception that
it'll be easy to stab the tiny tip of the iron at the grain-of-salt-sized component,
without undue attention to feeling the tiny pressures while half-blind.

+1 to this idea.

A couple of weeks ago I picked up a worn-but-still-sound B&L
StereoZoom 4 microscope for all of $50, with a set of Zeiss 12x
wide-field eyepieces (in place of the original 10x) and an
industrial-inspection-type stand. Even 'though I wear eyeglasses, the
field of view is wide enough that it's no strain at all to look
through it. With those eyepieces I end up with a zoom range starting
at about 10x and going up to about 40x... the low-zoom setting looks
as if it's going to be very good for SMD soldering.

It needs an illuminator (I've bought a few 3, 5, and 10-watt LEDs to
experiment with).

For modest soldering jobs I've been quite happy with an Optivisor, but
it looks as if this scope will let me work comfortably on smaller
workpieces.

There are a lot of these older StereoZoom 'scopes on the used
market... B&L and its successors sold a lot of them. You can buy
professionally-refurbished ones for over $1000, or used ones for a
song, or anywhere in between.