Question for Optivisor users

[Mike F.]

I know there are at least a couple of Optivisor users on the list.  I wonder which number visor plates you're using for SMD work?  I just bought a visor with a #3 plate.  I preferred the magnification level of a #4 or #5, but the focal distance was so short with them they seemed to defeat the purpose; I'm 46 and can still see tiny parts pretty well if I get up a couple of inches from them, which I had to do with a #4 plate in order to have it be in focus.  I also got an Optiloupe for it but haven't tried it yet.  Just wondering if anyone has any wisdom to share.  Thank you.

--
73,
de Mike, KC0KBC
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[Craig Smith]

I'm using the #4, Mike and also have the swing-down loupe.  This has worked
well here for assembly of both Elecraft kits and SMT projects.  Yes, the
focal distance is short, but I got used to that.  Using a Pan-a-vise or
something similar to bring the board up off the benchtop helps significantly
in this regard.

                73
                          ... Craig   AC0DS




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[srife]

I think mine came with a #2 lens Mike. Focal distance is around 8" and still gives good magnification. I find it very comfortable as far as the distance and power. I thought I might try one that would get me a little farther away, but I am happy with the present lense so it hasn't been something that I thought I really needed to get.
   
  Stan
  W5EWA
 

Mike <[hidden email]> wrote:
  I know there are at least a couple of Optivisor users on the list. I wonder which number visor plates you're using for SMD work? I just bought a visor with a #3 plate. I preferred the magnification level of a #4 or #5, but the focal distance was so short with them they seemed to defeat the purpose; I'm 46 and can still see tiny parts pretty well if I get up a couple of inches from them, which I had to do with a #4 plate in order to have it be in focus. I also got an Optiloupe for it but haven't tried it yet. Just wondering if anyone has any wisdom to share. Thank you.

--
73,
de Mike, KC0KBC
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[Don Brown-4]

Hi
 
I have the #3 and #4 plates with the Optiloupe swing down on the left eye I use the #4 plate because of the slightly higher magnification but it only has about 12 inches of eye relief. Not really a problem for bench work except placing the soldering iron back into the stand is a little challenging. The #3 has better eye relief and if your vision is good you may like it better (at 60 years I need the extra magnification) I can easily read the values on 1206 size resistors with either plate. The Optiloupe is good to examine your work after installing the part. I have used the round magnifier with the fluorescent light but the Optivisor is much better and more comfortable to use. I sometimes forget I am wearing the Optivisor with it pushed up on my head. Looks dorky but it is there when I need it.
 
Thanks
 
Don Brown
KD5NDB



> From: [hidden email]> To: [hidden email]> Date: Fri, 7 Mar 2008 06:27:37 +0000> CC: > Subject: [Elecraft] Question for Optivisor users> > I know there are at least a couple of Optivisor users on the list. I wonder which number visor plates you're using for SMD work? I just bought a visor with a #3 plate. I preferred the magnification level of a #4 or #5, but the focal distance was so short with them they seemed to defeat the purpose; I'm 46 and can still see tiny parts pretty well if I get up a couple of inches from them, which I had to do with a #4 plate in order to have it be in focus. I also got an Optiloupe for it but haven't tried it yet. Just wondering if anyone has any wisdom to share. Thank you.> > --> 73,> de Mike, KC0KBC> _______________________________________________> Elecraft mailing list> Post to: [hidden email]> You must be a subscriber to post to the list.> Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.):> http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm> Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com_______________________________________________
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[Don Brown-4]

Hi
 
This seems the thing to do so here it is:
 
Got my Katiegram on my K3 shipping in about 10 days yesterday. The K3 was ordered on 8/17/2007 with a deposit
 
Basic K3/100 2.8kHz 8 pole, 400Hz 8 pole, general coverage, FM
 
Thanks
 
Don Brown
KD5NDB_______________________________________________
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[Mike F.]

Thanks very much to all who responded on this!  I was afraid I was off in left field somehow with a #3, but it sounds like several folks have chosen the same trade-offs as I did.  I guess the beauty of these things is that for $20 (retail) you can get different plates.

As a completely worthless side note, I live about 3 miles from Donegan Optical.

Thanks again!

--
73,
de Mike, KC0KBC
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