The microscope recommendation video: buy Amscope!

[@rossmanngroup]

Thank you to everyone who made a purchase on eBay via our affiliate link at rossmanngroup.com/ebay for helping support this type of content. Your viewership is appreciated and as always, I hope you learned something!

[@chichexschichexs9932]

Louis Rossmann Hello, I write from Argentina, sorry for my English. I have a question, I want to buy a microscope and I want your recommendation on SM-4TPZ (3.5x 90x) or SM-4NTP (7x 45x)?

[@MandangoGC]

Both are the same, the difference is SM-4TPZ has included 2 auxiliary lens (pair 0.5x + pair 2.0x). 7x X 0.5x = 3.5x, 45x X 2x = 90x. The end is to get double working distance or double magnification. Anyway you can buy later on sepparately if you need any of them.

[@brandonknipp8106]

These KZbin fucks recently added a warning message to your links in the content section saying the link is dangerous and may contain maleware. They really want to fuck the people that make their site great. Keep up the good work man. I will be buying a hot air solder from you soon, and some flux. By January. I am an IT admin, and I would really rather be doing repair. Wish me luck! You have helped inspire me to start my own business. I used to work at a mom and pop store, and I loved it. I just wasn’t paid enough back then. Now the owner offered to send me customers if I can prove myself.

[@pufero1]

Man amazon sucks here in spain they fired the workers was on strike soo they are now on no buy site black list.

[@danielechiappa1046]

this video is still valid also now 4 year after? Thank you Louis for your video

[@joshuaaustin99]

I've been watching for years. I forgot about this video, but I bumped back into it when I was looking at getting a microscope. Definetely in the top 10 videos on the channel. Classic. Thanks for the hard work over the years.

[@JH-kk2jz]

Just some information, that I receive from Amscope, for those who are looking to purchase one of these microscopes. The SM portion of the SKU provide the overall product family. The 3 or 4 determines which stand the microscope is on (3 is single bar, 4 is double bar). T stands for trinocular, meaning the microscope has a photo tube. P is for simulfocal, meaning both eyepieces and camera can all be used at the same time (microscopes without that option have to select between the left eyepiece tube or the photo tube). N stands for the style of the microscope head, meaning that the style of the microscope head is slightly different (namely, diopter adjustment on the eyepieces rather than the eyepiece tubes, and a screw style photo tube vs the sliding style photo tube). X is the barlow lens included (X includes a 0.5X barlow lens).

[@yomommaisac-i-slizut9189]

Thank you!! This is the information everyone is looking for since it's not readily available for some reason. Unless I missed, which is possible because I just had eye surgery and still recovering so my sight isn't all that great right now

[@sharymens8187]

Thank you so much! Couldn't find the meaning of the P nor the N!

[@sharymens8187]

​@@yomommaisac-i-slizut9189Nah it's not on you hope you recovered well in the meantime!

[@TheFirstbornNephalem]

i know this comment is 6 years old but is do you recommend the diopter adjustment or the eyepiece tubes?

[@audiodiwhy2195]

Mr. Rossman, I bought the microscope you recommended in this video and I now can work with MSOP SMD parts without driving myself nuts. It has become an essential tool in my workshop. Thanks for making this clear and informative video.

[@rikvdmark]

34:05 "How many Pokémon Go players can I collect, gotta catch them all" That just cracked me up with that evil laugh after it and the way you looked when you said it :D Thank you for another video by the way. Really like your advice and how well you explain the pros, cons and explain how you use things. Very helpful!

[@Soulcommander]

LOL it took me back to where everyone was walking around like zombies in parks and everywhere to battle pokeman.on their phones. LOL Do you still recommend the same Microscopes?

[@zeitgeist1348]

Today i soldered out a blown capacitor from my old Mac Book Air with a cheap hoppy soldering iron without flux and with a watchmaker loupe without brandmarks on the mainboard. I am proud!

[@CreeBreej]

What i like about your Video's is not only are they honest, informative and make sense.. but your Fkin hilarious.

[@video99couk]

Despite the terrible ordering experience in the UK, I've just ordered an Amscope of much the same model as you have shown here. Will review on KZbin when all the parts arrive.

[@fpadams]

Useful information Among other points, you thoroughly convinced me of the need for a good, solid desk.

[@MrDeviousdom]

Louis, I have the SE400. I know exactly what you mean about the 20X lenses. However, if you use them without the rubber eye rings, it allows your eyes to get closer to the lens and its actually pretty good. I prefer the 10X most of the time though.

[@giga898]

I also use an AMscope at my work and haven't had any problems. It's a nice solid metal build and it does the job nicely. It's not quite as expensive as the one you linked, but for laptop board repairs it works fine

[@CallMeSquirrelly]

you are officially my affiliate link. i have been watching your videos for a few months and i have learned a lot from this channel and really enjoy watching your content. keep on keeping on Louis.

[@reprobite]

Louis - to use the 20x without them looking like keyholes: Spread the eye width wider Push your eyes right up to the 20x with no eyecups on, you will get a full view

[@ian5004]

What microscope do you use?

[@rossmanngroup]

i use binoculars

[@dawgy2]

Louis Rossmann which binoculars do you use?

[@Minecraftazerothian]

+eskobaydoh black ones

[@dawgy2]

AzeroFTW wait a minute. your not louis!

[@hey8174]

Mcdonald's happy meal binoculars.

[@ignatei]

By personal experience: the most stable microscopes for vibration-free observation/imaging are that of *1)* WILD HEERBRUGG and *2)* Carl Zeiss JENA.

[@Cheepchipsable]

Probably helps if you connect it to a stable work bench too!

[@ignatei]

Yes, sure it does.

[@TampaTec]

its not selling out when making it easy for your viewers to get access to your tools in your how-to views, you did the work to link the tool in the video description you should get paid at least the 3to7% commission.

[@michaelclarke647]

My god. 2 years I didn't realize the locking ring was there all this time. Big thanks

[@xx_ars_enic_xx2831]

Where is link for the scope and attachments and the boom arm ? I looked in the description can't find it

[@gregorybrown4214]

Thanks for the recommendations! Got my Amscope on the way!

[@ironsights6088]

Mount solid steel rod to the ceiling joist ,then attach arm for microscope.. add extra brace if needed to dampen vibration... been researching what you use only need something more affordable for my case .I wont be using it very much,but would love to have in the shop for the random project great work by the way

[@decem_unosquattro9538]

28:20 Louis " I'm just going to fill up this hole" yeah a lot my problems started with the same mindset. 😃😄

[@davidvalens3337]

Should do a 2020 suggestion for microscope

[@rileyboomer8627]

I just watched a video on a channel called "iPad rehab" idk if that is Jessa I haven't done any research on it and am not going to however I would like to strongly agree with you on your boom stand decision. The video that I watched had one of the other mounts on it and omg just about gave me a headache, love your videos Louis keep it up hope the apple thing goes smoothly for you

[@rossmanngroup]

that is jessa

[@JessaJones]

It is the combination of the articulating stand and the fact that my shop is in a 150 year old building with a floor that bounces like a diving board. When I am doing videos with people walking around it will bounce around. I love that articulating stand though, you can easily move it up or down to accomodate working on a board that is held in an omnivise vs just down on the table. Lots of people hate it. The boom stand takes up a lot more space on the bench in my opinion.

[@rileyboomer8627]

they bot have their advantages. no duobt about that

[@SorinG2010]

Awesome man thanks for all the tips and gear info!!!

[@treknology1068]

I concur with your preference for the boom stand. If I want something fancier that's what stepper motors are for. My questions: What res is the camera/screen combo? Soldering: Low temp leaded, or high temp unleaded? What heat gun to do you recommend that can get all the legs of an LSI disconnected without cooking the chip?

[@urdnal]

I've got a Cambridge Instruments (rebranded Bausch & Lomb) Stereozoom 7 that's probably 40+ years old. Older than me, made in the US, works great, I love it and I don't want a modern scope.

[@larsthorwald3338]

I deleted my Amazon account 15 years ago and haven't dealt with them since. Life without Amazon is wonderful. Boycott Amazon!

[@niconine268]

Agreed. Amazon is balls

[@yngndrw.]

+Louis Rossman You could try bolting the articulated stand to the wall rather than the table, that would make it more stable when the table rocks about.

[@rossmanngroup]

+Andrew Young what wall?

[@yngndrw.]

+Louis Rossman The wall behind the desk that the large TV's mounted to.

[@TheLunarSurface]

You know what I love? A phone repair dude giving me his opinion on a microscope

[@BigHushAffiliate]

Chris Salgado Not sure what you mean by that.

[@noreaction1]

@@BigHushAffiliate doesn’t he mean what he says? Isn’t that usually how it goes?

[@BigHushAffiliate]

@@noreaction1 lmao. I wrote that over a year ago. 😅

[@cbaesemanai]

Bought a amscope a couple of weeks ago, I should have bought one long ago my older eyes love it.

[@shazadkhan4674]

Hi louis i dont even own any products but love the way you fix things and make it so entertaining. Love your videos.

[@ForbiddenMagic]

It looks like the backfocus is off - when you zoom full in and focus it should remain in focus thruout the zoom range. You adjust usually by turning the eyepiece which adjusts the height. Adjust one so it stays in focus across the zoom range then adjust the other eyepiece and camera's backfocus to match..

[@sharymens8187]

What do you think about non polarized or polarized light for viewing PCBs?

[@das250250]

I cant see apple bothering to change it for that reason but i can see the auto routing software monitoring capacitive coupling to make the change due to other nearby circuits.

[@Frdzed]

What I like about your videos, you give information out for those that want to learn for free, so with that being said, it would only be fair to "give back".

[@jwrtiger]

Louis' I appreciate your microscope recommendation and your insight in to what I know little about. I think I might have found a better choice and I ordered it and got it a few months ago. It is cheaper than than the SM-4TP and seems to have the same specs but includes a 0.5X Barlow lens (approx. $50.00 value) that extends the vertical working space up to about 8-inches. When I made my purchase the SM-4TP was $458.64 and the one I have is the SM-4NTPX which was $428.98 both from AmScope or I think Amazon via AmScope. For people looking at this they might also want to order the AmScope EG-SM Microscope Eyepiece Eyeshields or Eye-guards. They are under $10.00/pair via Amazon or AmScope... just a thought and I am happy with mine. Hope this is helpful.

[@mrsemifixit]

jwrtiger Does the 8” working distance help keep your back and neck straight while working? Been trying to find a remedy for this as I’m experiencing neck pains from being slouched over

[@esenel92]

If I ever get serious about board repair I guess I should get a proper microscope too, at the moment I do it the DIY way, using my camera, an 18-55 lens and a reverse lens adapter so that I can mount the lens on the camera in reverse. (I already had the camera and lens). I use an HDMI cable from the camera to my monitor and that works great for magnification. It's far from perfect, but it gets the job done for the occasional close up view of a board or component.

[@JessaJones]

Hey--That particular boom stand sucks. It has cheap bearings and will get pitted and stop sliding almost instantly. They made a new one that has steel bearings. You should change your link to that one. It is the black double boom stand one.

[@rossmanngroup]

+iPad Rehab link?

[@ibjessa]

+Louis Rossmann I'll have my KZbin manager get right on that...

[@rossmanngroup]

Jessa Jones model?

[@sunnygsm15]

hi i want to buy a amscope microscope but i am confuse between two microscopes ( AmScope ZM-4TN3-80S-3MT ) and ( AmScope SM-4TP ) both are trinocular simul-focal and 7X-45X Magnification i need your suggestion which is batter

[@northsideservicecompany3567]

My business started selling on eBay in 1996 and still sell there today. I had an Amazon Store for 1-1/2 years before closing it due to the type of problems you described. Amazon treats sellers very poorly and of course buyer can do no wrong. . . You should add the Hakko FA-430 Fume Extractor to your affiliate link. I'm going to be buying one and I would like to see you benefit from my purchase. Chris

[@rossmanngroup]

My tools video is all amazon affiliated out!

[@northsideservicecompany3567]

Excellent. I'll be ordering the FA-430 this week. Chris

[@josealvarez8040]

Louis, please make a video on what made you open your own business...

[@CaliReef]

now louis the real question is what socks do you wear and are they anti static Lol.

[@RobinLabadie]

Probably, that's a requirement for balls of steel.

[@pinkiepie3978]

the only question is whats her name? i cant seam to find it

[@MrtinVarela]

Darude Rosstorm, of course.

[@luisa.m4145]

I used your affiliate link to buy the Am scope. Thanks for helping the community

[@MatthewSuffidy]

Maybe the easily movable one could be made with like a 'lock' button on the base or somewhere, where internal parts would firm up when it was toggled, and release...

[@dkoch210]

Louis, the Omano scope website says their scope is parfocal (OM2300s) while the AMScope you recommend is not (SM-4TP). Parfocal meaning whatever you are viewing should stay in focus throughout the adjustable zoom range. Seems like that would be an important feature, or am I missing something here? I am a fan and appreciate all your videos and expertise!

[@rossmanngroup]

+DKfromSA that is horseshit on omano's part. I own that microscope and you bet your ass that I have to readjust Focus when I zoom!

[@dkoch210]

Thanks for the quick reply! I had a hunch that was the case as I could see your videos readjusting focus each time you zoom in or out, but wasn't sure if that was you readjusting the focus or the auto focus on your camera. Great to know! Keep up the good work!

[@lycanlycans7548]

what temperature have you set at your soldering station?

[@RandyLott]

Always think before you fill a hole, my friend.

[@fuelforweb]

Indeed , regret some of them haha

[@hardware20x]

Awesome Louis! I see you saw my last comment on a previous video. As your channel grows, the kick-back you get from Amazon affiliate should be fairly sizable. It's a great way for fans to support your channel, without having to send money to you directly.

[@arielnavarro6283]

About the articulated stand, what if you have two workbenches?. One for the regular job and the second one, like a mini table, for the sole use of the microscope. Both tables separated for 1cm or 1,5 cm so that when you are working and moving around the microscope wont be affected. Or what about having the microscope placed in a concrete block?(yes this one is very absurd, but hey if it looks stupid but it works..)

[@arielnavarro6283]

I'm asking this, because I'm learning how to repair smartphones (and also electronic engineering by my own) and I would like to build my own shop in the future (I like to dream a lot lol)

[@JAKA_music]

I bought a STP-4TZ a couple weeks ago after watching your videos and wanting to try microsoldering. I Should have waited I would have bought this one.

[@doofus_robot7287]

Come for the technical content, stay for the random ranting pokemon go interlude. Louis entertains on many levels, a true showman.

[@johndoo1265]

There are so many people just talking sh...t but dude, you are sooo awesome, and you are talking the truth 🤣

[@bears7777777]

When you have 2 eyepieces, do you get a sense of distance? The hardest part about using a scope is you lose your depth perception and you end up with your soldering iron a quarter inch away from the board when it appears to be right on it.

[@LilOleTinyMe]

Not always! You have to look into it deeper. Some microscopes use a mirror to bounce the image to both eyepieces. Two eyepieces, still no depth perspective. They do make microscopes like what you are describing though

[@Erolanya]

Amscope is no brand. you can buy that microscope without any text on it. You can order 50 microscopes with Rossmann on it from the same factory in China.. Have a nice day

[@billyandriam]

28:36 HAHAHA That was funny, I'm sure everyone got the sexual innuendo there.

[@robh1908]

Look how much they want for that scope in canada. AmScope SM-4TP Professional Trinocular Stereo Zoom Microscope with Simultaneous Focus Control, WH10x Eyepieces... by AmScope CDN$ 710.89+ CDN$ 112.51 shipping

[@michaelmbutler]

Thanks for the "Tools Used" list. I've never seen that formulation of flux before!

[@sr8shoota]

Hi Louis These camera are great but for the hobbyist or beginner 300 and 700 is too much. Can you make a video focusing on cheaper camera microscopes . I know quality is not going to be the same.

[@caseymuni4097]

When you zoom in and out the focus should not be effected. That may be the microscope is not properly adjusted of a flaw of that Chinese microscope. Used name brand microscope has about 4inch work distance without 0.5x auxiliary lens. Attaching it to articulating Vesa mount makes it a much better setup for electronic work than any microscopes from Amazon.

[@andrewksmith12]

Finally, a way to support you :)

[@parmantije]

The microscope should be fixed on the wall

[@ScurvyDoog]

The brand he doesn't want to mention is "Eakins." Half the price, probably zero support.

[@Handskemager]

Ahh that’s how your videos are so steady, the articulating arm makes me motion sick. Good to know

[@Rhine_Labs]

I Have an Aven Carton SPZ-50 Stereo Zoom Microscope With Twin Boom Stand And Focal Mount. It is Nice..

[@countingsheeple2428]

You say that having a simulfocal scope is what to get, but the link to the amscope you posted doesnt have a spot for a cam. Am I missing something? Excellent video btw!

[@Guywhosayswisestuff]

Any idea why video flashes green for a second a few times in the video? Also for some reason the 2nd half of this video is extremely relaxing to watch.

[@OliverONeill]

A good way of showing off the quality (at least the camera view) would be to capture a still image at full resolution, instead of uploading a video.

[@Turco949]

Nice microscope but even now, still listed at over $500 which is a bit too rich for me! I wish you also have a recommendation for people who are new to the field and are also on a budget.

[@rfasp7]

I have the AmScope SM-4T Professional and is the bomb. thanks Louis :)

[@meshachkoech2979]

I subscribed here the a few days ago and have not regretted, just wondering why you dnt have 50m subscribers yet but am sure we are getting there soon. Thank you I was looking for a microscope.

[@andyvan5692]

NO, first you go medievil on them, ie set a trap with hot soldering irons pointing up at them from below the basement trapdoor :-)

[@bibbidi_bobbidi_bacons]

Yo Lou - What microscope should I buy 👻 in all seriousness it’s been a minute since you posted this so maybe your opinion changed. -Your humor is timeless and I appreciate it haha!! Wonder if people still play that Pokemon Go game? Nice job on the right to repair bill 🤝

[@girder123]

Would love to see how it measures against a Mantis Scope from Vision Engineering (they are very pricy, but many people in electronics swear on them)

[@rossmanngroup]

mantis is absolute garbage for what I do. I don't care how good the microscope itself is, 1) the camera is trash 2) you cannot retrofit a better camera 3) they have no interest, for any amount of money, in offering a better camera.

[@girder123]

Just looked it up - for that price, the camera is a cruel joke. Especially considering how cheap you can get good camera sensors. I guess it's for lab use and not for teaching.

[@MadebyJimbob]

What is the brand of the articulated boom stand? You revealed a major issue for many of us without focusing on the articulated boom stand?

[@88Possible1]

you should mount boom arm on wall, so it can be independent

[@rossmanngroup]

that would be insane, the wall is 8 feet away

[@Dosbomber]

I can't hear the phrase "This is my boom stand" without hearing it in Ash's voice from Army of Darkness. :) I've had my eye on AmScope models for awhile now, I just can't justify the price for the through-hole stuff I'm currently building. It'd be an expensive toy that I really don't need.

[@АйдарМагасумов]

How is your vision after working on this microscope? Worked with microscopes by Olympus? If it worked I would like to know your opinion, which company is better?

[@joopterwijn]

Boomstand, make fixture to hang it of the wall, not the desk

[@dg-hughes]

3:27 I was watching the Lindybeige tank channel and he mentioned it was figured out tank sights with one eyepiece were not as good as sights with two lens eyepiece because using one eye limits your brain two eyes is more natural. It's weird I know but it makes sense.

[@tracymcknight8978]

So silly me I didn't research enough on the better microscope. And yes I purchased from Amazon. I didn't realize the situation versus the trinocular versus the simu-focal. I purchased the SM-3T 7 X 45X. Is there a way I can swap out for the Simu-focal ?

[@KeitaroTsurugi]

Are there any parts that you take out of dead boards and keep them separated because while you do use them, they are annoying or take a lot of time to get ready to be reinstalled on a good board?

[@shanetillery254]

Louis , Are the stands mounted to the desk or by heavy base? Seems Like the best option would be mounting the stands to the wall. It would also be a plus if the wall was load bearing , Would most defiantly be more stable.

[@rossmanngroup]

it just sits on the desk, no mounting.

[@Gameboygenius]

Indeed, stability is technically defiance to being moved.

[@uricohen5463]

you are the best , can you explain how do you jump from one camera to another what epuepmrnt you use for that and what cameras do you use to record your self and the microscope i have anew repair shop and i dont know how to do that thank you

[@brandondaniels9471]

Thanks for the recommendations! I was planning to save up for one of the $100-$200 AmScopes. But, a friend of mine is "selling" me his AmScope for $20 and a cup of coffee. He has a doctor's office, and he's liquidating some of his equipment to create more space. *_YardSale Gods > SMC Gods_* :-)

[@darkflame808]

LOL you're pokemon comments were on point! hahaha thank you for telling it like it is.

[@davidvalens3337]

can you please put a link in the description for the articulating arm?

[@Thinkofsomethingnew]

yes please

[@djwilliams4714]

The diode that's reversed, likely is done on purpose. Some diodes run in reverse to control the reverse current, or the inrush current. It's honestly designed that way, IMHO

[@Imwright720]

I’m definitely gonna get a microscope. I’ve always wanted to long screw.

[@lexluther1323]

Mount the articulating stand on the wall

[@dancollins4372]

Just a curious noob question. Why the Tri-Ocular view. Why not monocular with only the camera. Wouldn't the monitor be more comfortable to look at then having to bend down and look into eye pieces.??

[@austin2118ace]

Not necessarily. Also, that means he HAS to have a computer to use the microscope, which can be a problem if his PC is FUBAR for some reason. The tri-ocular allows for use without a PC, and you would get a better view through the binocular eyepieces imo.

[@dancollins4372]

OK. As an IT professional, I always have a computer around. But if the view from the eyepieces is in fact better, than I can accept that. Thanks Austin.

[@rossmanngroup]

Simple answer, it sucks. Long answer, watch this miserable video where I tried to use the TV.. kzbin.info/www/bejne/e3XNqIyclKytgZI I can't explain scientifically why the hand eye coordination is totally fucked working this way, but it is...

[@dancollins4372]

Will watch. Thanks Louis. Keep on keepin on.

[@mobileez8471]

You and STS , you both have your microscope eyepiece head holder upside down !! Jessa has hers correct !!

[@johnbedell7217]

Hi Louis, The Amazon link for the AMScope shows it with a solid base - it does not look like the one in your video. Do you have a part number for yours as well as the stand you use? Thank you very much!

[@bioemiliano]

Can't you install the articulated stand in the wall and then leave your desk 1cm away from the wall to avoid any vibrations from the desk?

[@Christopher._M]

Where did you get the book stand? Did it come with it? The one on the link seems different

[@mikeselectricstuff]

For long-term comfortable working, nothing beats a Vision Mantis.

[@rossmanngroup]

+mikeselectricstuff their camera is trash

[@samgolder3943]

Just ordered the Amscope 7X-90X with the boom stand. Funny enough it was cheaper to get the 7X-90X rather than the 7X-45X.

[@dirik009]

Did you try install articulated stand on the wall? or windowsill or other small table I think it would be more stable.

[@davidz-09f]

I came here to say the same

[@MandangoGC]

If expend the same in the table than in tools sure doesn't happens... LOL

[@diavalus]

Hi, Louis. I am wondering why aren't you using the JBC pencil anymore.

[@tazman6483]

How do you keep the solder from not flowing onto all the pins when you drag it across them like that, I tried that once and solder just blobbed onto all the pins or pads. You are amazing to me, I am sure others might not think so but ya that is a really great trick.

[@edlopz1722]

Thank you man for a very helpful video !!