I have some ckt protos coming soon, with SMD parts used. I don't have anything yet but, I need some kind of magnifying device for inspecting parts and helping with checking solder joints. Unfortunately my eyes are getting old and anything smaller than 1206 is a challenge.
The catch is my bench space is tiny so I need something besides a large microscope or such. I am thinking of getting a few jeweler's loupes ... 10x and 20x.

Any other good suggestions?

Thx.

 

I use a 40x microscope, something like this but much more ancient.



You can get a USB camera and a computer screen. Ask @nsaspook about his setup.

 

I use an Elmo Document Viewer, magnifying headband, illuminated magnifiers, or clip on jeweler's loupe.


Anyone have Windows software for the USB camera in post #2?

 

Welcome to AAC.

I have three suggestions.

The first is the venerable Donegan OptiVISOR.

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This is the head-worn stereo magnifier traditionally used by jewelers, watchmakers, and other craftspeople that work with small items. The lenses are interchangeable and there is a big range. Accessories including swing-away loupes and on-board lighting are available. They aren’t cheap, but they are robust, time-proven, and will last a lifetime.

The second is the YOCTOSUN, a much less expensive modern take on the OptiVISOR. I can recommend these, and they have advantages and disadvantages when compared to the Donegan.

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As you can see from the photo, the YOTOSUN includes a selection of very nice acrylic lenses in a range of diopters. Keep in mind, magnification is directly related to working distance—the higher the power the closer the focus. Sometimes a lower magnification and longer working distance is better than higher for seeing well.

The YOCTOSUN also has decent on-board lighting that can be adjusted up and down and is powered by a rechargable battery. These can be worn as glasses with traditional temple pieces, or with the included strap for a more solid connection to your head and possibly more comfort.

NOTE: the YOCTOSUN is all buy incompatible with glasses while the Donegan accommodates them perfectly.

The third thing is this “digital microscope” available on TEMU*. For ~20 bucks (USD) I took a chance on it.

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It has a 2.4” bright display, and a 2MP camera. The display isn’t bad at all, though even better results can be had by using it in “computer display“ mode where it appears as a standard webcam from its USB Type-C port. It also takes photos with an internal memory or on the supported but not inclused MicroSD card.

I had very nice, uniform LED lighting with a cool white color temperature, and a small slightly useful magnifier in the handle. Overall, given its field of view and resolution, it’s very well suited to reading part numbers and inspecting PCBs for good soldering, &c. The ability to take photos is a great bonus for documentation.

I would say this is more useful as an adjunct to one of the magnifiers above but it is still quite a nice little tool. Highly recommended, its limitations notwithstanding.

* there are several sellers offering this, the one I bought from was out of stock so this is a random replacement