Damn. Steve (as well)! I‘m also subbed to your channel. Nice that you‘re supporting smaller channels. Although Steve has grown A LOT over the past couple of months.
I think that negative reviews are still valid, you know? Because someone might watch this and think "ah, I believe the negative is not that bad... I could enjoy that, even if this person didn't so much". Plus, it shows that it is an honest review. If the cons are not a problem, the person will know what to expect.
For image quality i like your old one better, the new has weird overly saturated colours and some sort of soft focus effect(which might be adjustable) but it seems to be higher resolution, the older one seems to be true to life colour saturation and without that soft focus effect. But ultimately id watch anything you upload, love the content!
Bought the 246 directly from their website. It's the one with the smaller screen and I think it's the perfect size, same mounting. It was 200$ exactly, plus another 50 for customs. Payment was through paypal, it left China in under 24 hours, after another 24 hours was already in my country (Romania) where it spent a whole month (argh!) awaiting customs. It arrived a few days ago and I'm amazed. I never had a microscope so it opens up a whole new world for me. But, I'm a picky boy, yet I can't honestly fault it. Lots of small details that make it a quality feel. No sharp edges, no google translate manual. The only niggle is the small focus jams on the A and D lenses (PS. actually that went away after I completely turned the two screws). The L one feels smooth. For me, it has already payed for itself, as it helped me bridge a broken flat flexible circuit on my abandoned Vive VR controller. Although it's main use is gonna be modelling and miniature painting (I have really bad eyes). Biology slides were actually cool. I'd rate it an honest 4.5 stars out of 5 and a must-buy.
great addition. i made my own, got an old 7 inch tablet with otg support, and a stand with a usb microscope. and mounted them together. of course not a professional, but not bad. it works
Really appreciate you being honest there! Perhaps Andonstar less so, but honesty is always good. I got the same microscope your old (maybe still current) one is, the AD407. Honestly, it's really good for all my little quick jobbies, fixing Gameboy cartridges or a controller as a friend threw it against a wall, does kinda suck space wise you're definitely right. Great idea you had with yours to mod it to go higher, i might have to steal that idea! Other than space its a great little microscope.
@@nicmate2543 just mount it on the end of the lens instead of the top, which the documentation says. You can find videos and pictures online. I've done that since I got it. It works perfectly
This is the first time I have ever seen one of your videos And I've got complement you I on how well produced this video is. Your timing and music are so perfectly in sink with one another. I thoroughly enjoyed it, start to finish, and your dry humor is very funny and charming. Thank you
I do recommend using it for a while and really get a sense of the experience using it and then providing additional thoughts later. You might find new features that you really like or new issues you really hate. Time can make all the difference
I too got it for review (I think I was the first on youtube: D) as well as had AD407 before. What can I say at the moment when it comes to construction - the AD249S lens is almost entirely made of plastic (inside there is a brass ring with actual glass). Mine jams when adjusting. The base is a bit larger and the stand (now it also moves forward), but it does not solve all the problems of the predecessor and so if you want more space under the microscope, you need to use a different arm. The lenses are mounted with two screws and you will not buy any other, they are custom, only for Andonstar. The recording quality is almost the same as in the AD407 - very good, the resolutions are identical. Thanks to the lenses in the AD249S you can get a lot more space and a larger working area. LCD is also similar, same resolution only bigger. If I had to judge which one is better, then if you do not need a much larger working area, it is better to stay with the AD407. A 7" LCD is more than enough for comfortable work, and the stand still needs to be redone in the new model. The AD249S also has WiFi, which is not working at the moment ... and it can be connected via USB to a PC as a camera, which I remember was not possible with the AD407. You can take a look at my review, but I haven't added English subtitles yet.
@@dsavoy66 To be more precise - plastic is the case of the lens. The lens itself is made of glass and it is mounted on the brass ring. ruclips.net/video/Ce7BZUfGpVk/видео.html
Great, honest review! I hope Andonstar don't give you any stick for it... I think you gave a really favourable impression of the product and simply stated it's a little too big for your setup (maybe, unless you start to like it!)
Thanks AFU! You're right, I don't have a great deal of room, so the bigger screen doesn't really suit me. I can see it would work perfectly well for others though! 👍
watching from my iPad, the original display looked more crisp from what I saw. It seemed the new camera, while having the larger display didn’t correlate into a sharper image imho. In any case, loved the video Steve! Cheers from Oregon :)
@@StezStixFix no… it recorded a soundtrack of very low static 😅 and yeah, syncing was a ballache. I might get in touch with them, hopefully it can be fixed with a firmware update
@@StezStixFix I guess it's time to make a led blinking thing with some sound. Some kind of clapperboard 😂 Arduino, buzzer, battery and a led should do fine👍
@@StezStixFix oh… I got a response from them .. “Well, indeed. Part of the effect of the mainboard controlling the recording function is very poor. Our current new model has withdrawn this function, I hope you understand.”
Still use the Andonstar A1 with my 21" screen. Eye hand coordination is lets say a learningcurve when the screen is in front of you and you still want to look to you solderiron. Nice screen I prefer the small one.
I think both of these are the winner. If you need closer shots on smaller things, the older one is best, but if you need a big area to work on a bigger board, the new one is better. Both are good for their own purpose tho! The old one has a better image quality due to lack of CMOS wobble, but the new one is sharper a tad.
I hope this video does better than my recent mini review when I compared the ADSM301 to my old Digilife. RUclips just flat out ignored it and it's currently 10th out of 10. I bought it after seeing your AD407 and was super impressed with the quality.
@@adambaranek Not sure why they didn't push it out to more people this time. This is why I always use the subscription feed first to see new videos and then go to home.
I’d bet that Andonstar has sold a lot of the AD407 microscopes because of your videos. I bought an AD407 Pro about two weeks ago after watching you and it’s been amazing. I’m able to see much better than my Optivisor. I wish it had warmer colored LEDs because these blueish, cool temperature LEDs are awful for our eyes and certainly give me eye strain if I don’t block them with the LCD while using it. Seems like every manufacturer is on a mission to burn the macula out of everyone’s eyes ever since the “white” LEDs came down in price back around 2005. I have been using my Andonstar 407 for electronics repair, fixing eyeglasses as well as filing and polishing Hot Wheels diecast car axles to prepare them for racing. The 407 is quite good for the model hobby; price is low enough to be affordable while giving a high quality image with the ability to record video or still images. Your own videos proved the image quality to me and convinced me to buy this model. I’d sure like to try the AD2495 to see if it makes a difference, especially when needing to work with tools under it, but the 407 is working quite nicely for me so far.
Well brother Steve! I've seen both scopes in action and for me the 10" cries out 2 things. 1 Ring light 2 Articulating scope arm (both would benefit your work area immensely) Also If you can get one, that will hold the weight, a microphone arm, that could be modified. But definitely a ring light! would be much better than the goose neck LEDs 👍🖖
There was a lot of complaints about the small one that "you can't solder because it's not a stereo microscope". I found it works perfectly. I assume because of the shadow from the two LEDs. Wouldn't a ring light remove those shadows so it becomes more difficult to judge the distance based on these shadows?
Thats a nice scope. I have a Tomlov 10" scope and its the same thing, same base , with very few small differences. You are right its big... but it does do a decent job for some applications. Great review Steve.
I'm a recent subscriber, your videos encouraged me to get back into electronics repairs. I just bought a Mustool G1200 microscope, it's probably the best scope/monitor under $70. I've caught up on about 10 videos or so now, can't wait for more!
Thank you for that. Excellent review as I was not expecting a non-biased review based on a company sending most RUclipsrs their product with a caveat as to please leave a review regarding my product. It's my hope that most companies are well intended with their products being sent out with payment being made in the form of a review in order to better their product for the mass market of customers. You actually said everything that made sense! It was actually very refreshing quite honestly to watch a video not knowing whether or not someone was going to favour a product for every 10 videos I watch regarding a product. I only find one valid review, such as yours. Well done well done👍🏽 my friend. Where trust is earned and lost in mere seconds of one opening their mouth regarding a product review. You managed to check off all of the trustworthy attributes from an individual reviewing a product. It's my hopes that others will soon follow suit in order to better inform everyday people by empowering them to make informed educated decisions moving forward. Thanks again.
The two may not look that different for you but the newer one definitely is a lot crisper and cleaner on the video.... which does also somewhat exacerbate any jiggle. Given the higher center of mass, perhaps an even wider base would be a good tweak?
I fixed the same Usb port on the same JBL link 10 charging board only a couple of days ago. It was really hard to see what I was doing. I really could have used one of these microscopes. I want one.
Your soldering skills improved massively. You should definitely try a stero-microscope not one with a screen. You will be impressed how much of a difference you will see in image- & soldering-quality :)
I'm revisiting this video after a year now, as I wish to upgrade my current setup. I'm using a USB microscope with stand, attached to a tablet. I like the idea of the Andonstar models, as they appear to have good reviews. I wouldn't mind trying the stereo type, binocular ones you mentioned. Any particular brand or model you'd recommend?
I am personally going to solder where I game on my PC setup, but I have everything covered before I solder (monitor covers, solder mat, fume extractor, etc...). For space after use, I am just going to have to install some wall mounted bookshelves to put it up there when not in use. It is really big. I got mine today, so I am excited to start working on some easy projects to keep the ball rolling.
I would say that was a solid review Steve, appreciate your honesty as it would have been easy to say the new one was the dogs danglies because you got sent it for free. I own your "old" microscope & I also found that with the supplied stand it was to close to the work area but you can clamp the lens to the mount much further up just below the red ring. This allows you to still be able to use the focus but you have much more room to work. Would love one of those articulating stands.
By the way . . . on your older AD407, there's not need for your elaborate extension arm contraption (to gain more room beneath the lens), you can simply mount the lens higher in the mount, there is a mounting position at the top of the lens - where it is by default - as well as a mounting position right at the bottom near the front element, use this one if you need more working room.
The Tomlov DM 501 Pro might be a good deal. I don't have a Digital Microscope, but am considering getting one! Thank you 3:054:28 I wondered if that port was installed incorrectly!
I cracked up with the bit on Adonstar at the tail. "He's an idiot!" Perfect. I can 100% relate. Solid review. And a new subscriber to boot. Keep up the excellent work!
I have the same microscope. The lcd is very low resolution compared to the up to 4k the camera outputs. I would suggest tearing down the screen portion and removing the pcb. I have it going to a 24' monitor and is much more clearer.
Good evaluation. Nothing wrong with what you said and I hope Andonstar is not offended in anyway. Take it as constructive criticism and they can up their game with whatever they need to do to make their products Excel.
Already made up my mind but I appreciate your honesty. These are really expensive in Ozand my one (like yours) is easy to grab and I fold mine down and store it in a cupboard . . . the Andonstar I mean. I use the smaller screen and not even worried about connecting it to my 24" workshop monitor. Why bother, the 7" screen is ample and so is the working space. The only niggle is the lift assembly mechanism is sloppy and the whole unit wobbles as I raise or lower the assembly. Also the mSD slot is in a tight position. Andonstar could move it out to the side. Used it just the other day actually to install an Hekate injector into a Switch. Too easy and after watching another video on this model, I can't see the asking price for th 10" model really. I will never see a freebie in my post box that's for sure. :-)🤫
Oh my microscope cost $90. 7 inch display at 1080 P with recording and all the other stuff. At one time, I was curious about getting a tenants display and having a figure. Now that I’ve seen this review, I may just stick to my 7 inch display for a while. Yes, having more room to work is nice, but being able to move it out of the way as you said is definitely a bonus. It doesn’t take up much space with only a 7 inch screen. Thanks for your review!
matter of perspective and circumstances i think, great vid nice review, for your set up the older one seems more practical. If you had a bench set up and a bigger working space then the new one would be more suited.
Good video. I wonder if it's like getting a bigger phone screen. At 1st you think..."yeah mines plenty big" but after iv had a new big phone screen a week, I'd never go back to the old one. Keep up the great work Stez 👍
Honest reviews are always helpful, I try and do that with my own figure reviews and people always seem to like it! I'm not in the market for one of these myself (I'm really bad at this kind of thing these days) but if I were then you and My Mate Vince would be the people to trust for honesty. Cheers!
I like the 10.1" AD409pro (metal body lens) but it's price is a bit hard to swallow... That AD249S-M (plastic lens) you review is good enough for me and can be found for $278 US, a 400 series stereo AmScope is cheaper but i'm a old "one good eye" man wearing glass so I saddly decline this "Only for young "padawan" option. Thank you for the honest review.
I don't currently have a digital microscope, just the magnifying glass on my helping hands, so I'll definitely be considering this as long as I can find it in the US.
00:15. The gaze of shame. 😉🤣 On a serious note I was hoping to see if this could be adjusted up and down and if it could be focused manually. It would allow you to use the first lens, maybe eliminate the wobbling, and not feel far, far away.
@StezStixFix, I recently picked up the AD407 and was curious about how you configured yours. I really like the adjustment you made with the articulating arm. In your video, you mentioned that you had a lot less work area. Did you know that you can mount it closer to the lens to gain about 3.5 inches of clearance between the microscope and the work surface? You’re probably already aware, but I thought I’d mention it just in case.
I'm looking on Amazon at what is listed as Andonstar AD249-M 10.1 Inch Digital Microscope for Adults, and wondering how different it is from the AD249S-M you've reviewed here.
Can you get the lens closer to the subject? If 'yes' I would use the lens with less magnification and compare the microscopes again. The stronger lens introduces a lot of color fringing and is probably less sharp. It is a trade-off between distance and image quality
Nice review Steve. I agree with you point about the cost. At that price I would pay a little more for an amscope copy, the VEVOR 3.5X-90X Simul-Focal Zoom Trinocular Stereo Microscope with Dual Arm Boom Stand for £373 and not worry about recording videos. Not as portable though!
As a total amateur, there's something I've been wondering about; You always use a lot of flux when soldering things. Is there a reason not to use pre-fluxed tin?
Actually, after you picked so much solder into the wig and had placed enough flux there, you easily cpuld have just pushed the wig aginast the USB contacts and it would have resulted in a perfect connection. This is also an easy way to solder chips with 0.125 raster pins and such. However I wonder if the scope is available in a shelf clamp version that hovers freely over the desk. Would be much more beneficial for my needs.
Did you make some tests with ADSM407 with the new stand? I have an ADSM302 and the stand is the major cons for it. The other biggest cons for my usage is the cable with buttons, that is only a power connector, you can't plug it to a computer to have microscope AND light at the same time. I'm very happy with the ADSM302 itself, I can even stream with it ^^
Nice review, it looks nice, i have an andonstar too. An earlier model, its great for what it is, it has helped immeasurably when it comes to fixing electronics, it really does get close up and the image is more than clear to do what you need to do. Mine has an annoying trait, and that's when you switch the unit off the time freezes, and will only resume when you turn it on again. It's not very handy when it comes to taking camera footage over for editing as the timestamps are hard to marry up when you are using other devices to record too unless you take the time out to continually change the date / time every time you use it. It would be wonderful if they resolved that and had a model with a microphone and video out too :)... Its not a negative review, its a non biased review which we really appreciate so thanks. It's nice that you were open, honest and upfront, and that people can make a more informed decision because of it. It also serves to the manufacturer to listen to whats being said in order to improve their product. I for one, dont think they are bad at all, a few tweaks and this could easily be the best affordable miroscopes out there.
Would love a video on how you modded your older microscope. I quite often find the pillar gets in the way on mine and have coveted the flexibility of yours.
I’m getting one after your review. My mate has a 407 and I always found the screen to be a bit too small for my liking. Love the channel. Not sure why Dave didn’t get more screen time though. He’s not a fan of the product? And why no song!?
Honest revision, yes Sir! I''m not swaping my Andonstar for this one. Mine is the same as yours, because you hipnotized me to buy one. 😁 No, really, I thank you for showing me your first Andonstar because I like it very much. You are an inspiration, Steve!
I've looked to your old one to take to my shop because i want to take my amscope to home, the new one is good if you have a bigger desk to put it but if you have a smaller desk the old one is as good as the new one
Maybe for working the stronger lights help, but I feel they are too strong for the youtube videos, maybe you can adjust it? Maybe in the editing? But I would like a bigger screen. Nice review
Pro Tip: put your camera 90 degree from where it usually is, so that you work at your station/microscope facing it, and turn your head to talk to the camera. It might take time to adjust but will make things better for yourself while filming and working at the same time. Keep it up
Dude….. Mount the camera to a solid point separate from the desk! Also take this onboard to… You gotta ‘100%’ Rock solid mount that desk too…. AKA - ‘Work Space’ Plus…. (100% Solid camera mount too) With the 100% separation of any vibrational interference between the two will equal an emended improvement in the quality of the output to ‘Us’, your loyal viewers x
Not much in it. Looks good though. Personally, as I have a PC on my workbench already, I went the route of having a usb/hdmi microscope (seperate lens and c mount 4k microscope camera) mounted on an articulating arm with focussing mount, and outputting to the PC. Less clutter and no additional screen.
Regardless how you rated that microscope - it says a lot about the Andonstar-company, when they dare to send you their product for a honest review. If a company is willing to get critizied, for me: its worth to look to their products - because it means: they can take critics, and probably are even willing to improve their products by the critics. It also says a lot how they threat costumers (in case of warranties etc) ... So even if that particular microscope isnt for me - i definetely take a note about this company - and when i buy a digital microscope , i definetely will take a look to this company. So, thank you, and Andonstar for this video!
It rarely turns out this way. 99% of the time. They gush over a product to make sure they more free stuff. Typically, the reviews are anything but honest.
@@NNITRED You are unfortunately right - and its hard to resist for the content makers, i think. I also saw often when RUclipsrs say ''i will review this product honestly, and if its bad i will say it, unlike others who praise the product just to get more free stuff or sponsorship'' , and then i see that even those RUclipsrs mostly praise the product. Best bad example is that ''unbox therapy''
Im in the market for one of these. SO MANY choices!!!!!! So many different opinions doesnt help! One thing im not talking about this particular scope but one review will say a scope sucks another its the greyest thing since sliced bread!
I think you could have added at the end. "But if you don't already have one, this one's a beauty." I sure wouldn't mind either one. I have been considering buying a microscope and either one of these would fit the bill nicely.
I have the AD208 variant Elikliv DM-10 (open box) with the 6inch extension $106US. I like 7-8.5 screens. After using a 4.5 for some time that's as big as I want to go. I returned the Elikliv EDM202 because the 10' screen was fatiguing especially after 20 minutes. It was really like having a tablet in my face. I'm glad I'm not alone. BTW- The red articulated arm is discontinued. I lot of were looking for it after seeing your mod.🙁
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Been wondering about this microscope. Looks like it's more adjustable as well. I think I'll buy one. Thanks for your review!
Damn. Steve (as well)! I‘m also subbed to your channel. Nice that you‘re supporting smaller channels. Although Steve has grown A LOT over the past couple of months.
Thanks Steve. Andonstar make great 'scopes. If you've got the room for this one, it'll be well worth it. 👍
@@Gaborsk1 but notice now he bigger, Dave doesn't get a look in now. Feel like he got used then discarded. Poor Dave
@@Gaborsk1 Thanks for the support! Steve makes great videos, but I guess that's to be expected since he's a Steve!
Back to you, Steve
Get your very own AD249S-M here: UK amzn.to/3LaoB1c US amzn.to/3U9rP9g
But only if you want to, obviously.
Oh I want to, maybe when the leccy bills go back down. {sigh}
I think that negative reviews are still valid, you know? Because someone might watch this and think "ah, I believe the negative is not that bad... I could enjoy that, even if this person didn't so much". Plus, it shows that it is an honest review. If the cons are not a problem, the person will know what to expect.
Too much wobble!
The bigger one has more jelly like image effect while the subject moving, in my opinion I love your older one better. Love your videos, so SOLID.
Yeah the image wobble really was noticeable.
He didn't say solid after soldering all those USB pins!!!
For image quality i like your old one better, the new has weird overly saturated colours and some sort of soft focus effect(which might be adjustable) but it seems to be higher resolution, the older one seems to be true to life colour saturation and without that soft focus effect. But ultimately id watch anything you upload, love the content!
Bought the 246 directly from their website. It's the one with the smaller screen and I think it's the perfect size, same mounting. It was 200$ exactly, plus another 50 for customs. Payment was through paypal, it left China in under 24 hours, after another 24 hours was already in my country (Romania) where it spent a whole month (argh!) awaiting customs. It arrived a few days ago and I'm amazed. I never had a microscope so it opens up a whole new world for me. But, I'm a picky boy, yet I can't honestly fault it. Lots of small details that make it a quality feel. No sharp edges, no google translate manual. The only niggle is the small focus jams on the A and D lenses (PS. actually that went away after I completely turned the two screws). The L one feels smooth. For me, it has already payed for itself, as it helped me bridge a broken flat flexible circuit on my abandoned Vive VR controller. Although it's main use is gonna be modelling and miniature painting (I have really bad eyes). Biology slides were actually cool. I'd rate it an honest 4.5 stars out of 5 and a must-buy.
great addition. i made my own, got an old 7 inch tablet with otg support, and a stand with a usb microscope. and mounted them together. of course not a professional, but not bad. it works
your honesty is refreshing
bought this TOMLOV TM4K Max 4K Digital Microscope 2000x HDMI Larger Base LCD Coin Microscope
Very nice
Really appreciate you being honest there! Perhaps Andonstar less so, but honesty is always good.
I got the same microscope your old (maybe still current) one is, the AD407. Honestly, it's really good for all my little quick jobbies, fixing Gameboy cartridges or a controller as a friend threw it against a wall, does kinda suck space wise you're definitely right. Great idea you had with yours to mod it to go higher, i might have to steal that idea! Other than space its a great little microscope.
Yeah, I still love the AD407. It's never let me down. The articulated arm on the stand makes a big difference, you should definitely do it! 👍
I have the AD208 and even that works great; spacewise a little less indeed, but otherwise a great bargain!
@@nicmate2543 just mount it on the end of the lens instead of the top, which the documentation says. You can find videos and pictures online. I've done that since I got it. It works perfectly
@@StezStixFix what articulated arm did you used for the modding?
It's still a massive win for them to show their microscope. ex: I just checked their prices and their website because of this video.
This is the first time I have ever seen one of your videos And I've got complement you I on how well produced this video is. Your timing and music are so perfectly in sink with one another. I thoroughly enjoyed it, start to finish, and your dry humor is very funny and charming. Thank you
He's well worth subbing to.
Solid
I do recommend using it for a while and really get a sense of the experience using it and then providing additional thoughts later. You might find new features that you really like or new issues you really hate. Time can make all the difference
I too got it for review (I think I was the first on youtube: D) as well as had AD407 before. What can I say at the moment when it comes to construction - the AD249S lens is almost entirely made of plastic (inside there is a brass ring with actual glass). Mine jams when adjusting. The base is a bit larger and the stand (now it also moves forward), but it does not solve all the problems of the predecessor and so if you want more space under the microscope, you need to use a different arm. The lenses are mounted with two screws and you will not buy any other, they are custom, only for Andonstar. The recording quality is almost the same as in the AD407 - very good, the resolutions are identical. Thanks to the lenses in the AD249S you can get a lot more space and a larger working area. LCD is also similar, same resolution only bigger. If I had to judge which one is better, then if you do not need a much larger working area, it is better to stay with the AD407. A 7" LCD is more than enough for comfortable work, and the stand still needs to be redone in the new model.
The AD249S also has WiFi, which is not working at the moment ... and it can be connected via USB to a PC as a camera, which I remember was not possible with the AD407.
You can take a look at my review, but I haven't added English subtitles yet.
Plastic lenses?! ....wow...
One of the reasons is cheaper than the older Ad409 ( 10' screen)
@@dsavoy66 To be more precise - plastic is the case of the lens. The lens itself is made of glass and it is mounted on the brass ring. ruclips.net/video/Ce7BZUfGpVk/видео.html
407 can connect to a monitor/tv via hdmi. The lead comes in the kit.
No PC connection on 407 is a deal breaker to me, but those shi tty plactic cheapish lens on 249 is deal breaker as well😂
Great, honest review! I hope Andonstar don't give you any stick for it... I think you gave a really favourable impression of the product and simply stated it's a little too big for your setup (maybe, unless you start to like it!)
Thanks AFU! You're right, I don't have a great deal of room, so the bigger screen doesn't really suit me. I can see it would work perfectly well for others though! 👍
@@StezStixFix el otro microscopio que hiciste la comparación, que modelo es ??
watching from my iPad, the original display looked more crisp from what I saw. It seemed the new camera, while having the larger display didn’t correlate into a sharper image imho. In any case, loved the video Steve! Cheers from Oregon :)
Ooh it’s the same as mine! Although I have the smaller screen version, it’s flipping awesome
Yeah, they are cracking microscopes. Although mine didn't record any audio, so it was a pain to sync up the videos when editing. Does yours? 🤔
@@StezStixFix no… it recorded a soundtrack of very low static 😅 and yeah, syncing was a ballache. I might get in touch with them, hopefully it can be fixed with a firmware update
@@StezStixFix I guess it's time to make a led blinking thing with some sound.
Some kind of clapperboard 😂
Arduino, buzzer, battery and a led should do fine👍
@@StezStixFix oh… I got a response from them .. “Well, indeed. Part of the effect of the mainboard controlling the recording function is very poor. Our current new model has withdrawn this function, I hope you understand.”
Every lab needs two. If one breaks, it’s not like you can throw it up on itself and see what’s wrong to fix it in some kind of magnifying inception…
Very good point! 😬
Still use the Andonstar A1 with my 21" screen. Eye hand coordination is lets say a learningcurve when the screen is in front of you and you still want to look to you solderiron. Nice screen I prefer the small one.
I think both of these are the winner. If you need closer shots on smaller things, the older one is best, but if you need a big area to work on a bigger board, the new one is better.
Both are good for their own purpose tho!
The old one has a better image quality due to lack of CMOS wobble, but the new one is sharper a tad.
I hope this video does better than my recent mini review when I compared the ADSM301 to my old Digilife. RUclips just flat out ignored it and it's currently 10th out of 10. I bought it after seeing your AD407 and was super impressed with the quality.
I subscribe to you and haven't seen that video. Crazy. Stupid Algorithm.
@@adambaranek Not sure why they didn't push it out to more people this time. This is why I always use the subscription feed first to see new videos and then go to home.
I’d bet that Andonstar has sold a lot of the AD407 microscopes because of your videos. I bought an AD407 Pro about two weeks ago after watching you and it’s been amazing. I’m able to see much better than my Optivisor. I wish it had warmer colored LEDs because these blueish, cool temperature LEDs are awful for our eyes and certainly give me eye strain if I don’t block them with the LCD while using it. Seems like every manufacturer is on a mission to burn the macula out of everyone’s eyes ever since the “white” LEDs came down in price back around 2005.
I have been using my Andonstar 407 for electronics repair, fixing eyeglasses as well as filing and polishing Hot Wheels diecast car axles to prepare them for racing. The 407 is quite good for the model hobby; price is low enough to be affordable while giving a high quality image with the ability to record video or still images. Your own videos proved the image quality to me and convinced me to buy this model. I’d sure like to try the AD2495 to see if it makes a difference, especially when needing to work with tools under it, but the 407 is working quite nicely for me so far.
He has natural pie face responses only comedians wish they could pull off convincingly, I'm subbing!❤
Looks a nice bit of kit Steve. Good upgrade from your previous one!
The image seems crisper on the old one, is the new one setup with the same format/compression? old at 3:38 vs new at 4:23
Almost skipped this but watched another video you did with this unit. Wow. It’s impressive
Absolutely love your channel Steve, keep up the amazing work ❤️
Really appretiate the honest review. That’s rare these days. Thanks for the content.
Well brother Steve! I've seen both scopes in action and for me the 10" cries out 2 things. 1 Ring light 2 Articulating scope arm (both would benefit your work area immensely)
Also If you can get one, that will hold the weight, a microphone arm, that could be modified. But definitely a ring light! would be much better than the goose neck LEDs 👍🖖
Thanks brother Steve, yeah a ring light is a great idea! And I couldn't live without my articulated arm now, so much more flexibility! 😊
There was a lot of complaints about the small one that "you can't solder because it's not a stereo microscope". I found it works perfectly. I assume because of the shadow from the two LEDs. Wouldn't a ring light remove those shadows so it becomes more difficult to judge the distance based on these shadows?
ngl a goose neck light is better for glare. as you can position to suit. but yeah extra light is are welcome.
Thats a nice scope. I have a Tomlov 10" scope and its the same thing, same base , with very few small differences. You are right its big... but it does do a decent job for some applications. Great review Steve.
Thanks Ron! Yeah, a little too big for my cramped workspace, but I can see it'd be perfect for others. 👍
I'm a recent subscriber, your videos encouraged me to get back into electronics repairs. I just bought a Mustool G1200 microscope, it's probably the best scope/monitor under $70.
I've caught up on about 10 videos or so now, can't wait for more!
Thank you for that. Excellent review as I was not expecting a non-biased review based on a company sending most RUclipsrs their product with a caveat as to please leave a review regarding my product. It's my hope that most companies are well intended with their products being sent out with payment being made in the form of a review in order to better their product for the mass market of customers. You actually said everything that made sense! It was actually very refreshing quite honestly to watch a video not knowing whether or not someone was going to favour a product for every 10 videos I watch regarding a product. I only find one valid review, such as yours. Well done well done👍🏽 my friend. Where trust is earned and lost in mere seconds of one opening their mouth regarding a product review. You managed to check off all of the trustworthy attributes from an individual reviewing a product. It's my hopes that others will soon follow suit in order to better inform everyday people by empowering them to make informed educated decisions moving forward. Thanks again.
I got the 246S after watching some of your videos. Love your work, great content. The 7 inch screen is perfect honestly.
Podrías a poyarme de cual es el modelo de OTRO MICROSCOPIO PEQUEÑO donde hace la comparación por favor , gracias saludos.
The two may not look that different for you but the newer one definitely is a lot crisper and cleaner on the video.... which does also somewhat exacerbate any jiggle. Given the higher center of mass, perhaps an even wider base would be a good tweak?
I fixed the same Usb port on the same JBL link 10 charging board only a couple of days ago. It was really hard to see what I was doing. I really could have used one of these microscopes. I want one.
I asked for and received an AD407 for my birthday based on your videos.
Your soldering skills improved massively. You should definitely try a stero-microscope not one with a screen. You will be impressed how much of a difference you will see in image- & soldering-quality :)
I'm revisiting this video after a year now, as I wish to upgrade my current setup. I'm using a USB microscope with stand, attached to a tablet. I like the idea of the Andonstar models, as they appear to have good reviews. I wouldn't mind trying the stereo type, binocular ones you mentioned. Any particular brand or model you'd recommend?
I am personally going to solder where I game on my PC setup, but I have everything covered before I solder (monitor covers, solder mat, fume extractor, etc...). For space after use, I am just going to have to install some wall mounted bookshelves to put it up there when not in use. It is really big. I got mine today, so I am excited to start working on some easy projects to keep the ball rolling.
Love your honesty!
I would say that was a solid review Steve, appreciate your honesty as it would have been easy to say the new one was the dogs danglies because you got sent it for free.
I own your "old" microscope & I also found that with the supplied stand it was to close to the work area but you can clamp the lens to the mount much further up just below the red ring.
This allows you to still be able to use the focus but you have much more room to work.
Would love one of those articulating stands.
I got the 8.4" from another 'brand' but identical in every which way, buttons, ports, arms, lights, etc. I've been happy with it so far.
Just bought the 7 inch not long ago. Absolutely love it.
By the way . . . on your older AD407, there's not need for your elaborate extension arm contraption (to gain more room beneath the lens), you can simply mount the lens higher in the mount, there is a mounting position at the top of the lens - where it is by default - as well as a mounting position right at the bottom near the front element, use this one if you need more working room.
Good tip! I do like the way I can move the arm easily side to side and back and forth, but for those with the original mount, it's a great idea! 👍
@@StezStixFix Imagine using both, it'd sorta' be like the James Webb Telescope, but smaller and much closer to earth, I want you to think about that.
@Daniel Andersen I would like to see that if he replies.
Me too. Show us yer aric arm, S 🎉
The Tomlov DM 501 Pro might be a good deal. I don't have a Digital Microscope, but am considering getting one! Thank you 3:05 4:28 I wondered if that port was installed incorrectly!
Hey Steve, I hope you'd make a video about the "Frankenstein modification"... Like how did you install it and what type of arm you used etc.
Much appreciate your honesty!
The clearance and the 4k are appealing but the screen size/in your face factor and bulkiness/portability are an issue. Nice piece of kit though.
Your videos are so relaxing.
I cracked up with the bit on Adonstar at the tail. "He's an idiot!" Perfect. I can 100% relate. Solid review. And a new subscriber to boot. Keep up the excellent work!
I wish this video would have come out last weekend. I ordered an Andonstar AD407 microscope on Monday, which literally just arrived.
The AD407 is still a cracking microscope! 👍
@@StezStixFix el otro microscopio donde haces la comparación en este video que MODELO ES???
I have the ad409, not sure how good it is compared to these but works for me
I have the same microscope. The lcd is very low resolution compared to the up to 4k the camera outputs. I would suggest tearing down the screen portion and removing the pcb. I have it going to a 24' monitor and is much more clearer.
Good evaluation. Nothing wrong with what you said and I hope Andonstar is not offended in anyway. Take it as constructive criticism and they can up their game with whatever they need to do to make their products Excel.
Already made up my mind but I appreciate your honesty. These are really expensive in Ozand my one (like yours) is easy to grab and I fold mine down and store it in a cupboard . . . the Andonstar I mean.
I use the smaller screen and not even worried about connecting it to my 24" workshop monitor. Why bother, the 7" screen is ample and so is the working space. The only niggle is the lift assembly mechanism is sloppy and the whole unit wobbles as I raise or lower the assembly.
Also the mSD slot is in a tight position. Andonstar could move it out to the side.
Used it just the other day actually to install an Hekate injector into a Switch. Too easy and after watching another video on this model, I can't see the asking price for th 10" model really. I will never see a freebie in my post box that's for sure. :-)🤫
Oh my microscope cost $90. 7 inch display at 1080 P with recording and all the other stuff. At one time, I was curious about getting a tenants display and having a figure. Now that I’ve seen this review, I may just stick to my 7 inch display for a while. Yes, having more room to work is nice, but being able to move it out of the way as you said is definitely a bonus. It doesn’t take up much space with only a 7 inch screen.
Thanks for your review!
I prefer the video quality from the old one. It's probably the lens that is a little different. Old one seems to have a little clearer image
matter of perspective and circumstances i think, great vid nice review, for your set up the older one seems more practical. If you had a bench set up and a bigger working space then the new one would be more suited.
Good video. I wonder if it's like getting a bigger phone screen. At 1st you think..."yeah mines plenty big" but after iv had a new big phone screen a week, I'd never go back to the old one. Keep up the great work Stez 👍
Honest reviews are always helpful, I try and do that with my own figure reviews and people always seem to like it! I'm not in the market for one of these myself (I'm really bad at this kind of thing these days) but if I were then you and My Mate Vince would be the people to trust for honesty. Cheers!
I like the 10.1" AD409pro (metal body lens) but it's price is a bit hard to swallow... That AD249S-M (plastic lens) you review is good enough for me and can be found for $278 US, a 400 series stereo AmScope is cheaper but i'm a old "one good eye" man wearing glass so I saddly decline this "Only for young "padawan" option. Thank you for the honest review.
I don't currently have a digital microscope, just the magnifying glass on my helping hands, so I'll definitely be considering this as long as I can find it in the US.
00:15. The gaze of shame. 😉🤣
On a serious note I was hoping to see if this could be adjusted up and down and if it could be focused manually.
It would allow you to use the first lens, maybe eliminate the wobbling, and not feel far, far away.
@StezStixFix, I recently picked up the AD407 and was curious about how you configured yours. I really like the adjustment you made with the articulating arm. In your video, you mentioned that you had a lot less work area. Did you know that you can mount it closer to the lens to gain about 3.5 inches of clearance between the microscope and the work surface? You’re probably already aware, but I thought I’d mention it just in case.
Great comparison Steve, appreciate the honest and real-world review.
Let me know if you need a new home for either of your 'scopes. 😉
I'm looking on Amazon at what is listed as Andonstar AD249-M 10.1 Inch Digital Microscope for Adults, and wondering how different it is from the AD249S-M you've reviewed here.
Can you get the lens closer to the subject? If 'yes' I would use the lens with less magnification and compare the microscopes again.
The stronger lens introduces a lot of color fringing and is probably less sharp. It is a trade-off between distance and image quality
Nice review Steve. I agree with you point about the cost. At that price I would pay a little more for an amscope copy, the VEVOR 3.5X-90X Simul-Focal Zoom Trinocular Stereo Microscope with Dual Arm Boom Stand for £373 and not worry about recording videos. Not as portable though!
Nice. I'd say keep both, maybe you could do something where you need them both, who knows. But I do have one question, where's the singing?
😁 I reserve that for my Fix It videos! 😬
As a total amateur, there's something I've been wondering about; You always use a lot of flux when soldering things. Is there a reason not to use pre-fluxed tin?
Actually, after you picked so much solder into the wig and had placed enough flux there, you easily cpuld have just pushed the wig aginast the USB contacts and it would have resulted in a perfect connection. This is also an easy way to solder chips with 0.125 raster pins and such. However I wonder if the scope is available in a shelf clamp version that hovers freely over the desk. Would be much more beneficial for my needs.
Did you make some tests with ADSM407 with the new stand? I have an ADSM302 and the stand is the major cons for it.
The other biggest cons for my usage is the cable with buttons, that is only a power connector, you can't plug it to a computer to have microscope AND light at the same time. I'm very happy with the ADSM302 itself, I can even stream with it ^^
Nice review, it looks nice, i have an andonstar too. An earlier model, its great for what it is, it has helped immeasurably when it comes to fixing electronics, it really does get close up and the image is more than clear to do what you need to do. Mine has an annoying trait, and that's when you switch the unit off the time freezes, and will only resume when you turn it on again. It's not very handy when it comes to taking camera footage over for editing as the timestamps are hard to marry up when you are using other devices to record too unless you take the time out to continually change the date / time every time you use it. It would be wonderful if they resolved that and had a model with a microphone and video out too :)... Its not a negative review, its a non biased review which we really appreciate so thanks. It's nice that you were open, honest and upfront, and that people can make a more informed decision because of it. It also serves to the manufacturer to listen to whats being said in order to improve their product. I for one, dont think they are bad at all, a few tweaks and this could easily be the best affordable miroscopes out there.
I have the same as your old one.. It's a really good microscope and the perfect size.
Would love a video on how you modded your older microscope. I quite often find the pillar gets in the way on mine and have coveted the flexibility of yours.
Also - can I have a link for the PCB holder you use please?
You can! It's this bad boy: amzn.to/3LlYIf1
Oh my! 2 videos in one week, Ambassador you are spoiling us 😆
🤣
I’m getting one after your review. My mate has a 407 and I always found the screen to be a bit too small for my liking.
Love the channel. Not sure why Dave didn’t get more screen time though. He’s not a fan of the product? And why no song!?
Honest revision, yes Sir! I''m not swaping my Andonstar for this one. Mine is the same as yours, because you hipnotized me to buy one. 😁 No, really, I thank you for showing me your first Andonstar because I like it very much. You are an inspiration, Steve!
Sabes cual es el MODELO DEL OTRO MICROSCOPIO DONDE LO UTILIZA PARA LA COMPARACIÓN?
@@riquelmeneymar5515 Era el andonstar ad407 3d
I enjoy watching your older microscope more than the new one
Sabes cual es modelo del otro microscopio que muestra donde hace la comparación con el nuevo ?
I snagged the 7inch screen version of this scope on sale. Thanks for the review or else I would have probably splurged on the 9 inch screen.
I've looked to your old one to take to my shop because i want to take my amscope to home, the new one is good if you have a bigger desk to put it but if you have a smaller desk the old one is as good as the new one
Don't ever stop saying "nice" I love that, it's signature.
I like your honesty.
Maybe for working the stronger lights help, but I feel they are too strong for the youtube videos, maybe you can adjust it? Maybe in the editing? But I would like a bigger screen. Nice review
What a treat to have an unexpected midweek upload! 😃
Pro Tip: put your camera 90 degree from where it usually is, so that you work at your station/microscope facing it, and turn your head to talk to the camera.
It might take time to adjust but will make things better for yourself while filming and working at the same time.
Keep it up
You made a recommendation on not getting the larger one if you already own the smaller one...but what if you don't own either?
Dude….. Mount the camera to a solid point separate from the desk!
Also take this onboard to… You gotta ‘100%’ Rock solid mount that desk too…. AKA - ‘Work Space’
Plus….
(100% Solid camera mount too)
With the 100% separation of any vibrational interference between the two will equal an emended improvement in the quality of the output to ‘Us’, your loyal viewers x
Not much in it. Looks good though. Personally, as I have a PC on my workbench already, I went the route of having a usb/hdmi microscope (seperate lens and c mount 4k microscope camera) mounted on an articulating arm with focussing mount, and outputting to the PC. Less clutter and no additional screen.
With the AD407 I just plug the hdmi in to my 40in TV for a bigger monitor aside from a little more work area not alot of differences
Regardless how you rated that microscope - it says a lot about the Andonstar-company, when they dare to send you their product for a honest review. If a company is willing to get critizied, for me: its worth to look to their products - because it means: they can take critics, and probably are even willing to improve their products by the critics. It also says a lot how they threat costumers (in case of warranties etc) ... So even if that particular microscope isnt for me - i definetely take a note about this company - and when i buy a digital microscope , i definetely will take a look to this company. So, thank you, and Andonstar for this video!
It rarely turns out this way. 99% of the time. They gush over a product to make sure they more free stuff. Typically, the reviews are anything but honest.
@@NNITRED You are unfortunately right - and its hard to resist for the content makers, i think. I also saw often when RUclipsrs say ''i will review this product honestly, and if its bad i will say it, unlike others who praise the product just to get more free stuff or sponsorship'' , and then i see that even those RUclipsrs mostly praise the product. Best bad example is that ''unbox therapy''
Im in the market for one of these. SO MANY choices!!!!!!
So many different opinions doesnt help! One thing im not talking about this particular scope but one review will say a scope sucks another its the greyest thing since sliced bread!
I have a Cyberdyne system 101. The CPU is a neural net processor. A learning computer.
I bought the same multimeter you use - would love to see a tutorial on how to use it to test different components
Ohhh... a midweek upload. This new microscope quality is certainly better.
Thank you for your honest opinion :)
Very nice video. A question please; How do I download photo-files from my Adonstar 209 to my computer? Nothing explained in manual... Tx!
Lol thanks for the honest review Cap'n!
😁 Thanks Chris!
Heck yeah awesome,, I'd like to get me one someday. Would like to get in to working on things again
I think you could have added at the end. "But if you don't already have one, this one's a beauty."
I sure wouldn't mind either one. I have been considering buying a microscope and either one of these would fit the bill nicely.
I have the AD208 variant Elikliv DM-10 (open box) with the 6inch extension $106US. I like 7-8.5 screens. After using a 4.5 for some time that's as big as I want to go. I returned the Elikliv EDM202 because the 10' screen was fatiguing especially after 20 minutes. It was really like having a tablet in my face.
I'm glad I'm not alone.
BTW- The red articulated arm is discontinued. I lot of were looking for it after seeing your mod.🙁