Everything is getting smaller, including the components inside the gadget and the gizmos we’re trying to diagnose and fix. For many years now, I have gotten along with a head magnifying glassbut that’s still not enough when dealing with components smaller than a speck of dust.
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I need a digital microscope. I need Andonstar AD407 Pro digital microscope.
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Andonstar AD407 Pro
The rotatable digital microscope is ideal for repairing circuit boards and other electronic devices.
specifications
- 4 megapixel HD sensor
- 7 inch IPS screen
- Maximum video resolution 2880 x 2160 24fps
- Photo resolution 4032 x 3024 (12 megapixels)
- MicroSD card storage
- HDMI output
- UV filter is fitted to protect the lens from damage
- Two variable intensity LEDs
OK, enough specs, how well does the Andonstar AD407 Pro make things look bigger? Let’s start with this circuit board.
This is how it looks from my smartphone camera. Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNET
On this small circuit board are several small components. Some are barely visible to the naked eye.
Let’s take a closer look using the AD407 Pro. This is a minute capacitor held by my ceramic tweezers. (I highly recommend porcelain tweezers for precise work.)
A small capacitor on a small circuit board looks huge. Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNET
The large 7-inch display makes it much easier to repair small parts like capacitors. Just make sure you’re careful when moving loose parts around.
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There is a remote control hanging next to the microscope that you can use to turn on the LEDs for a better view.
There’s also a convenient row of buttons along the bottom of the screen to control things like magnification strength and turning the microscope on and off.
With the power of the microscope, I was able to use USB soldering iron to remove small capacitors. To give you a better idea of how small that ingredient is, it’s on my fingertips!
It’s crazy small!
That capacitor is no bigger than a speck of dirt. Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNET
At $240, Andonstar AD407 Pro is reasonable if you are a professional or enthusiast who wants a handy digital microscope. If you are an amateur or a beginner looking for something more affordable, I recommend AD206 which, for $130, is a great alternative. Its screen resolution and sensor are downgraded compared to the AD407 Pro, but the AD206 is still a great tool to keep you from having to squint at the tiniest objects!
