Besides a good soldering station, neat and professional soldering needs many other accessories. One of those accessories is the best digital soldering microscope. It helps us carefully solder tiny or very close components with high accuracy and the best possible cleanness (avoiding shorting the two components).
In simple, digital soldering microscopes are one of the basic needs of professional soldering. Especially if you have some SMDs to work with. The beauty is you can inspect and see all the detail of any electronics circuit on its big display screen.
Now, choosing the best digital microscope for soldering can be confusing for the first time. You need to have some basic understanding of what to look for in a good scope, which brands to select, and perhaps a lot of other questions.
Hay! I am Abbas. If this short introduction has got your attention, then I am pretty positive you will enjoy the rest of this article as well.
In the rest of the article, I talk in detail about how to pick a good soldering microscope and provide you with a proven models list from proven brands, and much more.
I am not perfect, nor this article is going to be. This is just my limited knowledge try to help you somehow.
I hope you will enjoy it.
Best Digital Soldering Microscopes
As we get advanced in electronics. You may have noticed that the size of electronics components is decreasing day by day. Which is really nice thing.
But this shrinking of component size has made it challenging to meet the criteria of professional level soldering. You just cannot go there in the lab and make a soldering connection like that. These connections must be clean and neat.
If the connections are not clean and neat it will produce noise in the circuit, may produce parasitic losses, or even cause your circuit to fail CE or FCC regulations.
I can continue talking about why neat soldering is essential, but this is not our today’s topic.
Today we are focusing on how we can increase our chances of neat soldering by using some soldering microscopes.
First, let’s see what to look for when picking a microscope for our soldering work.
How to choose the best digital microscope for soldering
You know, there are many features you can look at and consider. But the following are the most important qualities to consider when you’re looking for a microscope that won’t let you down.
1. Focus magnification
We use a microscope to magnify. If a scope doesn’t have a focus magnification then why bother it. So a good soldering microscope must have a promising magnification.
By good magnification I mean your scope must have at least 2.5 – 20X magnification capability to work with all SMDs components. This range is also suited for any electronics repair work as well. Below this range is just wasting your resources, in my opinion.
2. Vertical distance
It is the distance between your circuit board and the lower end of the microscope lens.
This distance must be enough so that you can easily work on your circuit boards without losing the magnification focus.
3. Working surface
The is defined as the area where you will fit your circuit boards. If your circuits are small then you don’t need a much larger working surface.
But if you are working a large area circuit then you should look for a digital soldering microscope that provides you with a larger working surface area.
Good lighting
Of course, if you don’t have a good lighting system the images of your digital microscope would not be nice for sure. So be very attentive to this feature.
It is the beauty of digital microscopes that they tend to come with their own LED lighting. Also, lighting is an important part of electronic repair work – you need to be able to see what you’re dealing with.
Good stand and flexibility
If your scope stand is shaky or vibrate then it is guaranteed you will have blurred photos on the screen of your digital soldering microscope.
So make sure the stand of your scope is firm, sturdy, and of high quality, and it must be flexible to fit any of your working surface requirements.
List of the best digital soldering microscopes
Alright!
Above were the few things which I wanted to share to help you make your decision wisely. I have kept these things in my mind and prepared the following list of some amazing best digital soldering microscopes.
Also, keep in mind, that I am not going to repeatedly talk about the above must have features of soldering microscopes over again and again. They are applied to all the below mentioned models. Also, I am not going to add some fancy-looking models that you will see a bunch of them online. Look man, I am an engineer and technical terms are more romantic to me than the looks.
1. TOMLOV DM401
Our first best digital soldering microscope is from the Tomlov brand. TOMLOV is a diversified Brand that integrates R&D, microscopic dedicated camera systems, and image analysis systems.
Its digital microscope has successively passed the national ISO9001 international quality system certification, as well as CE, FCC, ROHS, and other export qualifications.
This brand produces many models of microscopes, but DM401 is really suited for soldering and inspecting small SMDs and other electronics components.
Important features of this scope:
- 2K ultra clear video, this is most important as with this resolution you will be able to see any tiny details
- Magnification: 1200x
- Camera: 24M (for ultra high definition resolution)
- Able to capture 24MP vibrant color still images
- Utilizes an ultra-high-definition sensor
- Digital 7″ IPS screen, allowing you to enjoy vivid and saturated colors
- The unique part is, that it has a full 178° visual angle which realizes quality viewing when you share the screen with other
- It comes with an extra 6 inch Extension Tube – helps get a wider and higher view in microscope photography and video shooting. Also, it increases the vertical distance, so you can freely use your other tools on circuit boards.
In a short summary, the TOMLOV DM401 (Amazon link) is the best soldering scope out there. It is a little expensive, but it will be a long term tool for your lab.
It is equipped with a USB and mini HDMI port which you can connect with any HD monitor and computer. Plug and play, simply hooking up to your device and your vision will be extended automatically.
2. TOMLOV DM10
This soldering microscope (DM10) is from the same brand as the above one, i.e., the Tomlov Brand. The unique thing is that DM10 is a little cheaper than the above one. And it is completely capable to do all the SMDs work.
Important features:
- Magnification is in the selection criteria for microscopes for electronics work, i.e., 50x – 1300x.
- Camera: 12MP
- Larger display than the above one – delivering an amazing visual experience on exploring the microelectronics without the need for an external display
- It’s quite easy to zoom in and focus, just raise or lower the holder and rotate the knob
- UV filter Function: it is to protect the lens from smoke, heat, and dust without affecting the clarity at the same time
In a short summary, the TOMLOV DM10 (Amazon link) has all the features that any electronics work would require. It is up to you to pick it or drop it.
With the original 12MP CMOS UHD camera sensor cooperating with the premium display, you can create high quality images and videos. It allows you to capture real-time images and record videos with almost zero lag.
3. Elikliv EDM9
The next microscope is EDM9 from the Elikliv brand. The unique thing about this scope is, that it has a wired remote which makes the soldering process a little convenient.
Important features:
- It has a 1080P high resolution which is convenient for easy and accurate observation and soldering.
- 12MP camera with precise focus
- With a rotatable (90 degrees) HD screen design, it is more convenient for users to analyze the circuit from different angles
- 10X-1200X Magnification
- The best part is, that there are 8 Adjustable LED illuminators to provide more excellent and optimal clarity to capture pictures or video in some dark places.
In a short summary, the Elikliv EDM9 (Amazon link) microscope is not only a microscope but also a camera, which can take pictures and record videos. You can save the images and videos obtained during the observation process to the Micro card for later use.
4. Andonstar AD407
Another best SMD soldering microscope, the AD407, is from the very famous Andonstar brand. This brand is established in 2013 and has successively obtained more than ten patents for new inventions, appearance designs, and several software copyrights.
Important features:
- It is a 3D HDMI microscope that gives you a nice 3D effect
- It has a 7″ display which offers you more clearance and less delay of the images and videos
- 4MP HD Sensor
- The display and stand are adjustable to help you get a bigger working space, keep a comfortable working pose
- It comes with wireless remote control and the buttons on the monitor both allow you to take pictures and record videos
In a short summary, Andonstar AD407 (Amazon link) is a very professional level digital soldering microscope that has a high quality UV filter to help protect the lens from being damaged by dust, heat, and smoke.
5. Dcorn DMR02 digital soldering microscope
Dcorn is a popular brand for making various types of digital microscopes. The model DMR02 from this brand is geared toward circuit soldering and inspection.
Important features of this amazing magnifying device for soldering:
- 50X-1200X magnification covering all the electronics component requirements
- 7″ HD LCD that supports 1080P
- 12MP camera technology which can you help you easily view the clear details of tiny objects or components
- In addition to the built-in 8 adjustable LED lights, this USB microscope is also equipped with 2 adjustable side lights.
In short summary, the Dcorn DMR02 (Amazon link) not only has a magnification function but also can capture clear images and record high-quality videos. You can record new discoveries during the observation process at any time. The photos and videos will be saved in the attached memory card.
6. Opqpq ODM10
Another best zooming microscope for soldering is from the famous Opqpq brand. The model which we will be exploring from this brand is called the OMD10. It is different from the above mentioned model for its 8.5″ big HD display.
Important features:
- 8.5” LCD screen provides you a broad field for viewing and is helping to identify SMD components, and precision soldering
- 1300X Magnification
- Equipped with 2 additional auxiliary fill lights
- It comes with wireless remote control – an essential tool to get a stable picture. The reason is, to avoid shaking caused by pressing the button of the microscope.
In a short summary, Opqpq ODM10 (Amazon link) is a very good choice for a mid-range budget. It has sturdiness and a widely weighted metal base can minimize shaking and keep the specimen in a clear focus.
7. Elikliv EDM202
Our last best digital soldering microscope is from the already mentioned Elikliv brand. But this model, EDM202, is intended for much professional level work as compared to the above ones.
Important features:
- 10.1 inch (25.65 cm) HDMI LCD, this is the largest display as compared to the above mentioned scopes
- Provides a 42% larger field of view than a 7-inch microscope
- 10″ Stand which gives a high vertical area for all electronics work
- Work more professionally and comfortably
- There is no need to install any extension tubes or lift the monitor
- Magnification range from 10X to 1300X
- 1300X magnification allows clear viewing of electronics repairing
- Large 16 MP backlit CMOS sensor, which greatly improves light sensitivity and noise control
In a short summary, Elikliv EDM202 (Amazon link) is very suitable for professional circuit board testing. As it allows you to zoom in and see the incredible details of your circuit board at a magnification range from 10X to 1300X. You can take pictures, record videos, and can save them for later use.
Conclusion
We do soldering for either prototyping or repair. To do the best job in both cases we must have a decent quality soldering station.
But besides a good station, we need other accessories as well. Why? The reason is that the sizes of all electronic components are decreasing from time to time. And to cope with modern professional level soldering we need to have tools rather having just a decent soldering station.
One of many needed accessories is a soldering microscope. It helps us see and inspect those tiny electronic components.
In this article, we look at some best digital soldering microscopes that have been used by thousands of professionals. They loved them and recommend them, as they are reliable and come from proven brands. We also try to see the selection criteria for these scopes, and concluded that one should look for the following when picking a microscope for soldering:
- Magnification capability
- Vertical length
- Working circuit board area
- Lighting
- Sturdy stand
So that is it guys. This is all I have to share with you. I hope you enjoyed it.
Thank you and have grateful life.
Other useful posts:
- 20 Best soldering station [beginners to professionals]
- 11 Best desoldering stations and gun to buy
- What is Circuit Prototyping & why it is so important
- #07 Best Soldering Helping Hands
- 7 Best soldering fume extractor
- #12 tools needed to solder a circuit board
