I Got a New MICROSCOPE! | Andonstar AD249S-M | Let's TEST It!
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- Опубліковано 27 вер 2024
- This new AD249S-M Microscope was very kindly sent over to me by Andonstar. I already purchased the AD407 microscope by Andonstar a couple of years ago, and I love it!
Is it worth upgrading to the 249S?
I'll give you my thoughts, as rubbish as they are, and give it a little test in this video by soldering a micro USB port. How exciting.
Steve
Link to the AD249S-M
UK Amazon: amzn.to/3LaoB1c
US Amazon: amzn.to/3U9rP9g
PS. I'm not an expert in repairs at all. I do this for fun, and it may not be the best or safest way to go about repairing broken stuff. I'm pretty good at melting plastic though. Please don't copy me - I'm an idiot.
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Links are affiliated where possible to help support the channel. Nice.
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
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.
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}
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
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 ??
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.”
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 🎉
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.
Thank you for that. Excellent review as I was not expecting a non-biased review based on a company sending most UA-camrs 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.
Looks a nice bit of kit Steve. Good upgrade from your previous 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 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!
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. 👍
He has natural pie face responses only comedians wish they could pull off convincingly, I'm subbing!❤
Just bought the 7 inch not long ago. Absolutely love it.
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.
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 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.
Absolutely love your channel Steve, keep up the amazing 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???
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 asked for and received an AD407 for my birthday based on your videos.
Really appretiate the honest review. That’s rare these days. Thanks for the content.
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.
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 👍
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.
Lol thanks for the honest review Cap'n!
😁 Thanks Chris!
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 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
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 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.
Good to see you was gifted a new AD249S-M Microscope there Steve how good of them was that 👍
Oh my! 2 videos in one week, Ambassador you are spoiling us 😆
🤣
I have a Cyberdyne system 101. The CPU is a neural net processor. A learning computer.
What a treat to have an unexpected midweek upload! 😃
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.
Lol, “Nice” at 2:39. Thanks for this review
Love you mate, literally really enjoy your vids and respect your opinion. I bought the old one not long after subbing to you, absolutely love it and from watching this vid I was saying to myself 'I'm pretty sure he will say if you have the old one it's not worth upgrading and if you don't own one buy the new one' and you pretty much did. Glad that you've got a freebie let's hope more companies send you stuff as I for one bought it based on your usage. Nice dude
You know what else is solid? The screen on that new microscope lol😂
Love your honesty!
Don't ever stop saying "nice" I love that, it's signature.
Your videos are so relaxing.
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. :-)🤫
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!
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.
@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.
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.
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
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
Well...Waching your videos inspired me to buy Andonstar few months ago, so they shouldn't be totally unhappy wirh you.
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! 😬
Much appreciate your honesty!
That is pretty big.nice room
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.
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 have the ad409, not sure how good it is compared to these but works for me
For me I still like your old one Steve - sometimes bigger isn't always better - but I think this is very much user dependent.
"Solid" review and fix as always Steve!!😅
Spot on, Greg! In my case, I don't have a great deal of room, but I can see others would benefit from the bigger screen. I just don't need it! 👍
@@StezStixFix Maybe I'm imagining it, but I think your older one has better image quality. The lens on this seems to glow a bit and the video seems too smudgy? Maybe it also has to do with the lights being a bit too bright for the video.
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
I'm going to go buy one now. Thanks for the review. I do not have one yet anyway......Prime Day with $10 coupon. $141 US with tax.
It looks like there's an AD407 Pro now with a bigger more adjustable stand, which seems like the best of both worlds. Only $240 USD right now.
You can see microbes with it, believe it or not. I recorded an algae sample from my aquarium absolutely covered in little guys. The ability to record and zoom is so nice as well. I really am shocked that it worked this well.
I"ll get the new Andonstar one. I am easily distracted so I haven't bought one yet but I'd get the bigger one for sure. I have shitty eyes so the big screen will help immensely.
I'd totally buy that.
Your original one feel much more ideal for your setup tbh. While you have less room to work with, I'm not sure that is too much of an issue if you are familiar with your work style. Adapting leads to professionalism as your applying your skills to suit the situation. I also found the bigger one has a less crisp video, especially when it was wobbling felt like it had ghosting issues.
Never thought I'd be so interested in a microscope review haha. Keep up the good work :)
I can't afford your fancy-pants Andonstar microscope. I have a 10inch TomLov with the giraffe neck. I am pretty happy with it. Your new microscope is very nice. I hope it gives you years of joy destroying HDMI connector pads...lol. Great content as always! Thanks for sharing.
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.
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?
Nice to see Andonstar loves your work. I'm still waiting for fastex to send me a free welding rod. 😕
no they don't. They want sales
I have to say the resolution is massively better, you can certainly tell the difference and i watch on a 5yr old iPad
I have the same as your old one.. It's a really good microscope and the perfect size.
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?
Thanks for not being a sell out
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.
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.
Glad you got a new one
Get in! Nice!
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.
AD407 owner here. Most of the time I use the HDMI out to a 32 inch screen so a larger built in screen would be more of a hinderance to me. Also I modded the mount to give way more clearance under the scope. My only niggle is that for some reason the still pictures it takes are less clear than just captured frames from video.
I mount mine on the groove just above the lens. You get double the working distance.
I mount mine on the groove just above the lens. You get double the working distance.
Do you confirm 407 doesn't have PC connectivity?
@@The_Unobtainium Yes, HDMI output only. But it can record to MicroSD cards
clarity might be a bit better on the old one just from the video example
For soldering usb ports, chips and the likes with rows of pins I can really recommend using a soldering tip that has a horses hoof shape to it with a bit of a indentation such as the hakko t12/t15 bcm shape tip. The shape works perfectly to hold a nice amount of solder on the tip and transfers the solder very nicely when using enough flux.
From what I saw of your footage your old one was much better IMHO.
The only difference I could see image wise was the new one has a deeper depth of focus, so both the board and usb port were In focus, where as on the old one only the usb port was in focus.
I'm a fan of the AD407.
I straight up just recently bought the same original adonstar microscope you have been using. Although I find the focus adjustment a bit frustrating, I am happy with it.
Try mounting it on the groove just above the lens. You will get double the working distance.
Why, what's the problem? you should rough focus by raising/lowering the assembly, lock that into place then rotate the microscope ring; the large knurled section, to fine focus. Could not be easier my friend.
Good stuff, I recently got my first microscope, a Tomlov DM201 pro. I expect the video quality will be pretty much the same on all models as camera technology is so good and cheap nowadays. I agree that the main issue with these things, for the purposes that we use them for anyway, is lack of space (or being very aware OF the space) as im swing hot air guns and soldering irons under there. Slight wobble too, i dont think anything can be done about that nor is it really an issue?
Anyway, enjoying your vids, learning a lot! im a newbie so trying to soak up as much as i can!
> camera technology is so good and cheap nowadays
no way... image sensors are still pretty different in size and size affects final image quality a lot. Bigger sensor - more expensive the rig (for cameras, for microscopes, for everything)
I bought the same multimeter you use - would love to see a tutorial on how to use it to test different components
I know it wasnt a normal video, but i really missed VOS spitting bars! 😭
7" is the better one, because it's less wobble. It's got HDMI out so you can have it on as big a screen as you like.
If there was one that didn't have a screen and only had the HDMI, I'd probably have chosen that.
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.
SOLID! Just like walls in Might & Magic.
I like your honesty.
Nice review.
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
This reminds me of choosing a smartphone size. For years I enjoyed a smaller phone. Then BIG phones came out and were all the craze! Still are. I recently went back to a “smaller” regular sized phone and it’s SOOOOO much better to use! No more hand and finger gymnastics just to navigate the damn thing! 🤣
you could use the bigger one for bigger circuit bords that you will need more space for
Yes, great idea! It will definitely come in handy for that! 👍
@@StezStixFix 🙂👍
you have a good way off explaining things
I think the picture quality on your old one looks better
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
Seems as if the old one has a clearer image. The new one has a yellow tint to it (or so it seems).