Magnifiers for SMD soldering

Thread Starter

xxxyyyba

Joined Aug 7, 2012
289
Hello, I need some some Magnifier for SMD soldering so I bought these Magnifying glasses http://www.ebay.com/itm/381555608061?_trksid=p2060353.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT
It is good for PCB inspection but it's not for SMD soldering: for 10x magnification glasses need to be only few centimeters away from PCB and for greater magnification, distance is of course smaller so it is not possible to use it for SMD soldering. My question is, is there any cheap solution? I'm not good at optics, but smaller magnification mean larger distance, right? Is this solution http://www.aliexpress.com/item/Magn..._6&btsid=8d9303e9-107a-4a6d-b3b4-eabeec9ed4cc
?
Here are specifications:
Specifications:
Color: Black
Material of Lens: Acrylic Lens
Battery: 3 * LR1130 Button Batteries (included)
Lens: 1.0X / 1.5X / 2.0X / 2.5X / 3.5X
Field of View:
1.0X: 250~350mm
1.5X: 200~300mm
2.0X: 175~275mm
2.5X: 150~250mm
3.5X: 80~120mm
Size of Lens(1pc): 85 * 8.5mm (L * T)
Item Size: 220 * 145 * 55mm / 8.66 * 5.7 * 2.16in (L * W * H)
Package Size: 22.0 * 17.7 * 4.7cm / 8.66 * 6.9 * 1.85in (L * W * H)
Package Weight: 270g / 9.5oz

What does "3.5X: 80~120mm" mean exactly?
 

Lestraveled

Joined May 19, 2014
1,946
@xxxyyyba

I use two Optivisor headband magnifiers for soldering and SMD work. I use the DA-3 (1.75X, Focal length 14") for general work and some SMD parts. I use the DA-10 (3.5X, Focal length 4") for small SMD parts.
 

jpanhalt

Joined Jan 18, 2008
11,087
Plenty of room for soldering.

Today, there are electronic cameras and screens. I have never used a modern (post 2006) one. Earlier ones suffered lag, which was bad for what I did.

I have used the large lens with a ring light around it fixed to a stand and the head visor as Lestraveled mentioned. Mine is the same brand. It is a dash-4 and has a swing-down additional magnifier on the left. The only time I use that magnifier is to read a really faint part number. For SMD 805's and such, it has never been necessary. At my age, I also wear reading glasses (+1.75 diopter) with the head ban. BTW, I think the lenses in mine are glass (or very scratch resistant plastic) that are in a plastic holder. It is at least 15 years old and the lenses do not have a scratch on them.

The fixed light and lens is good for some applications, such as at a laboratory bench examining culture plates or quality inspections. Images of those processes are often used in advertising them. However, the focus does not move with your head, nor does the lens get out of the way if you need to move the part.

For soldering and assembly, I much prefer the head band. It moves with your head. If you have to readjust the board or part to get at a certain spot, nothing needs to be adjusted. I find mine so comfortable, I have forgotten I had it on when answering the door.

Regards, John
 
Top