What microscope do I use? Andonstar AD409 Review - LFC#355

This week I'm taking a look at Andonstar's AD409 microscope. This is the big brother to the scope I use for my motherboard repairs - so let's see if the big screen is worth it, and talk about these screen-view scopes in general!
I forgot to add in my 'review/sponsor' information thing at the start, Andonstar sent me a free sample in exchange for a review video.

Looking to buy? Find the Andonstar AD409, as well as their other microscopes at the links below:

[Adamant_IT]

Side note, my Link camera's auto-zoom was at a weird angle for the last shot of this and went funky - I should've voiceovered b-roll for the goodbye, but no matter!

[TheDefpom]

@4:00 I also reviewed the non pro version of this microscope some time ago, very happy with it. I recommend a different way of mounting it, mount it at the end of the lens instead of the base of it, gives much more working height, although I had the basic stand, yours is probably going to be fine.

[bufordmaddogtannen]

A couple of ideas for potential buyers:
1 buy the cheaper model, run the hdmi output to a splitter, plug one output to a bigger monitor, the other one to the capture card OR (better)
2 just buy a camera module, with a c-mount objective instead. Then split the signal in the same way.

[LearnElectronicsRepair]

Hi Graham, Why do you use the Andonstar instead of an optical microscope? I have the AD407 and I use it for making videos, the HDMI output quality is superb. I also have an 'Amscope clone' optical microscope and it gives me stereoscopic vision through the lenses but a lower quality output on the C-Mount camera. When it comes to actually using either for microsoldering the optical microscope is far better and I always use it, otherwise I look like I solder really badly rather than just plain badly 😅 Apparently It's not just me, various subscribers and other creators who have visited and tried the Amscope completely agree.

[colinmitchell]

Very nicely recorded and the sound was sharp and clear. Enjoyed the catch up video and look forward to the unboxing and a big smuge smile 😁.

[Asyq]

I found that the stock base plate for the pro stand works well until you want to work on anything larger than a current high end graphics card. The AD249S-M I have comes with the same stand and I hard mounted mine to my workbench and was able to fit and work on huge server motherboards that way.

[carloazuararuiz]

Of course Andostar engineers will take your opinion into account and add an adapter... internal or external? Well, I can't know that but they will keep it in mind. Another personal opinion, I would not be surprised at all if you received more test instruments or tools related to your field of action (PCs, laptops, audio, etc.). Finally, the courtesy of this manufacturer to you is well deserved and of course a thank you from me to them as well. I use an Andostar at my work site. Thank you very much, young Graham, for your time and sharing. All the best.

[TheDefpom]

Getting the SD card out is awkward too, in my mailbag video on Monday I showed a couple of sd extension which work well for it, you might want to check that out.

[carlojoselitochua]

Done watching, thank you very much for the informative review video. I have learned significantly more troubleshooting & repair lessons in this tutorial video and to your other repair videos as well compared to my ENTIRE 4 YEARS OF COLLEGE EDUCATION. I hope you will soon have a mini-series for Schematic & Boardview-free Voltage/Power Rail Tracing[12V/18-20V Main Voltage Rail, 5V, 3.3V, CPU/GPU Core Voltage Rail, DRAM Voltage Rail, IGPU Voltage Rail, System Agent/Northbridge Voltage Rail, PCH Voltage Rail, BIOS Voltage Rail, Battery Power Rail], Proper method of testing/checking of potentially faulty MOSFETs & ICs/Controller Chips, CPU/GPU/PCH Reballing and BIOS Bin File Editing.

[fichambawelby]

You forgot to mention the limitation the back pod gives. When you are working with certain PCBs, the back pod is annoying. The PCB touch with the pod and you are not able to see the "center" of the PCB. That's the reason why the best mounting system is the one you have in your smaller scope.

[stevenwilliams]

You brought up many points important in deciding what to purchase. I wouldn't have known any of this and would have made a few disappointing purchases.

[Ojref]

Yeah, I have one. The stand is a obtuse design masterclass in and of itself. 3D printing a stand for a microphone boom attachment is a good secondary option.

[ETIGoiano]

I was about to buy an Andonstar AD409 pro, then I found your video. Well, I'm from Brazil and the tax on Aliexpress is high. I would be a total waste of my money because like you I need it to work at the same time.

Well, actually I'll prefer to buy the previous one. the AD407, I would like to know if the 407 Pro works with HDMI together with an external monitor and records at the same time.

I thank you very much for the information you posted, helping people around the world.😀

[winstonwoof]

Regarding the height adjustment maybe it’s a way of working thing. I see it as a coarse and fine height adjustment with the coarse being the main pole and the fine being the twiddly knob.

[richardsayers]

I do not know if anyone has ever told you but if you unplug the original cord from the monitor and then put a standard micro usb directly to your computer you can then see the monitor at the same time you can use your camera app to see on your computer. both at the same time

[NotThatGuyJD]

Great video as per usual Graham. It's a real shame about this not doing both HDMI and screen.

[klaasklapsigaar]

That endoscope cam is pretty nice. You can play around with the position of the lights for a sharper picture.

[DM-fzly]

great review. I do have the ad407 (pro with the "better mount) and yes it will do both hdmi and attached screen at the same time. I chose the "pro" model thinking that the better mount would be worth it but after seeing what you did with the articulating monitor mount, if I were to choose again I would get the non-pro version with the much longer geared vertical post and save the $40 over the pro version. What monitor are are you using?? I'd like to convert to the monitor arm set-up so the microscope is always ready and tucked away for quick access. Also you can change the way the microscope is mounted in the mount and move the optical tube up in the mount such that it is mounted right above the bottom of the optical tube which gives more clearance below. But with your setup with the monitor arm it would not make a difference. Cheers!

[vlatkosurlan]

Those lights also cure a little bit of that lack of depth perception since the shadow thrown is from the side so that the shadow gives a bit of a feeling of height.

[colinreece]

That smaller travel can be used if you were say close but just needed that bit more so it would be easier to use that instead of adjusting the travel on the tall post.