The Saelig SAE106S Digital Microscope is a versatile tool designed specifically for PCB inspection, but it can also be useful in other fields. It may be used as a standalone device with its built-in 4.3” color LCD screen, or connected to a PC. Illumination is enhanced by an 8-LED adjustable ring light, with two additional repositionable side lights. The SAE106S offers 10X-220X magnification for seeing the smallest blemish or trace problem, and can store images and videos on an SD card or transferred to a Windows PC.
The SAE106S includes the following standard features:
- 4.3inch full HD Color LCD screen. 10x-220x continuous magnification.
- High quality optics for stunning 1080P images
- High-quality precision-adjustable stand changes the distance between the camera and the object and its magnification.
- Precision focusing range 2cm - 9.5cm (0.8” – 3.75”) from the test object - perfect for soldering activities!
- UV filter provided not only protects the lens but also reduces reflections and stray light.
- 8 LED ring illumination with adjustable intensity control allows setting optimal illumination levels.
- Two arm-mounted fill lights on either side can be moved freely, and their brightness can be adjusted by a dimmer switch.
The SAE106S ALSO includes the following Saelig-exclusive additions:
- Large 7.75"x8" non-conducting ABS plastic base.
- 16gb micro-SD memory card for storing images and video
- Micro-SD USB card reader
- Updated English user guide
PCB Fault-finding
Visual inspection is the first tool in PCB debug. Searching for missing or charred components, bad solder joints, and solder bridges is the first order of business when a bad board comes in for repair. Look for solder bridges or solder whiskers between pads and solder joints, especially between the pins of fine-pitch SMD chips (but note that adjacent ground pins will often be bridged by design). If the problem is a short, there may be burned spots on the printed circuit board. They can be quite small but the normal green solder mask may be significantly discolored and visible under magnification.
