Homebrew PCBs

I use an older version of a unit like this amscope stereoscopie microscope - http://store.amscope.com/zm-3by.html

They are large, heavy (60-80#s or so) but work exceptionally well and most importantly are comfortable to look at for extended periods of time.  Mine is a 20/40x magnification unit which I find is more than suffiecient for what I do which is SMT work so far down to 0402 w/ all the different packages for MCUs and Sensors w/ board traces/clearance 6/6 (manf boards).  My work is done @ 20x and I could even do 0201 at that magnification with no problem.

Personally, I would look on craigslist for a, stereosctopic unit and don't be too worried about the magnficiation level as I have used the 40x maybe 2 or 3 times in the years I have had this unit.

Having the depth perception helps more than you can imagine as I would be bumping into items on the board w/ a hot iron.

Hope this helps,
Bob 

--- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, Malti <pawlud@...> wrote:
>
> Hi all. I am new to this group. I am a ham interested in homebrew.
> 
> I have seen hundreds of usb microscopes with various specs. But, I hardly
> see any specs regarding the working distance, which  is a property, much
> important in pcb /smd soldering.
> 
> Which is the ideal microscope for pcb SOLDERING, not just inspection !
> 
> Apart from the expensive dinolite, I came across the AVEN 26700-206, which
> claims to have  a working distance of  112cm !
> Has anyone used this model please, or are there any other models, which are
> not so expensive ??
> 
> Also, there are many pcb holders on the market. The panavice, ideal-tek,
> the Weller, to name a few.
> I intend to build my own, but first I need to know the ideal, so I can
> design accordingly !
> Lets hear some expierences.
> 
> Paul
> 
> 
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>