Monday, 3 April 2017

Don't spend a bunch of money on a microscope to do SMD work until you've explored your options

Don't spend a bunch of money on a microscope to do SMD work until you've explored your options

There's a lot of discussion in the Amiga community about building one of TerribleFire's TF530 opensource accelerator boards. One thing that TerribleFire has been recommending heavily is getting a proper 10-20x microscope to do the SMD work under. However, I want to point out that there are other, much less expensive options worth exploring first.

Here are some examples.

http://www.ebay.ca/itm/8-Lens-Magnifier-Magnifying-Eye-Glass-Loupe-Jeweler-Watch-Repair-with-LED-Light-/192003410213?roken=cUgayN

http://www.ebay.ca/itm/Eyelash-Extension-LED-Light-Magnifying-Spec-Glasses-Hands-Free-Magnifier-JS-/291964133659?roken=cUgayN

http://www.ebay.ca/itm/Headband-Headset-LED-Head-Lamp-Light-Jeweler-Magnifier-Magnifying-Glass-Loupe-/221995696587?roken=cUgayN

I think that one of these combined with an inexpensive USB microscope to use for board inspection might work fine. I personally have the first set of glasses and a microscope like the one below which I intend to use in combination rather than spend a hundred or more dollars for a microscope, plus fifty bucks shipping etc.

http://www.ebay.ca/itm/50-500X-2MP-USB-8-LED-Light-Digital-Microscope-Endoscope-Camera-Magnifier-JL-/162275780765?roken=cUgayN

Keep in mind that these items are an option for anyone looking to explore SMD electronics assembly, not just those building the TF530. They are a great. low cost, option for hobbyists that don't take up much space.

#TF530CCC
http://www.ebay.ca/itm/8-Lens-Magnifier-Magnifying-Eye-Glass-Loupe-Jeweler-Watch-Repair-with-LED-Light-/192003410213?roken=cUgayN

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