Steve, Have you actually used the Ersascope? I've gotten their demo CD showing all the images and while it looks impressive, I'm wondering how well it works in actual use? Regards, Rick Thompson Ventura Electronics Assembly 2665A Park Center Dr. Simi Valley, CA 93065 +1 (805) 584-9858 voice +1 (805) 584-1529 fax [log in to unmask] -----Original Message----- From: TechNet [mailto:[log in to unmask]]On Behalf Of Stephen R. Gregory Sent: Thursday, October 28, 1999 6:16 AM To: [log in to unmask] Subject: Re: [TN] Microscope information In a message dated 10/28/1999 6:42:44 AM Central Daylight Time, [log in to unmask] writes: << I found that a microscope with which you can look at an object (solder joint, component, assembly) from an angle (say, from 45 deg from vertical) and rotate the objective around the object of interest was very useful in observing assembly issues. While I'm not sure who it was I bought this scope from (Wild? ) it was a stereoscope and it was very useful. Best regards John >> Hi John! I think the scope you were referring to was one of the "VS series from Vision Engineering. If you go to: http://www.smt-network.com/cti/vision/ there will be a page that tells about the different models. They are good scopes, I've used them at a couple of places in the past, rotating mirror that allows you to view all around the part without moving the board...a little pricey, but good. I did find a page that has some previously owned VS's for sale (among other scopes), it's at: http://www.r1source.com/testequip.html might save a few bucks there. The last scope that I think is the neatest thing since sliced bread is a scope called the ERSASCOPE Inspection System 3000, you can go to their page at: http://www.ersa.de/escope_e.htm It uses fiber-optics and a prism/mirror to look UNDER BGA's! On their page, they have a ERSASCOPE image of a CSP (.8 mm pitch, stand off-height .25 mm) pretty cool if you ask me! Who needs X-ray with something like this? Paul Klasek used to have the URL to a page that has a bunch more images from this inspection system, he posted it last year sometime (I think...or was it earlier this year?) Tried to search the achives for it, but couldn't find it...maybe Paul still has the URL, if the page is still active. -Steve Gregory- P.S. Maybe I was lucky...haven't got any SPAM lately... ############################################################## TechNet Mail List provided as a free service by IPC using LISTSERV 1.8c ############################################################## To subscribe/unsubscribe, send a message to [log in to unmask] with following text in the body: To subscribe: SUBSCRIBE TECHNET <your full name> To unsubscribe: SIGNOFF TECHNET ############################################################## Please visit IPC web site (http://www.ipc.org/html/forum.htm) for additional information. If you need assistance - contact Gayatri Sardeshpande at [log in to unmask] or 847-509-9700 ext.5365 ############################################################## ############################################################## TechNet Mail List provided as a free service by IPC using LISTSERV 1.8c ############################################################## To subscribe/unsubscribe, send a message to [log in to unmask] with following text in the body: To subscribe: SUBSCRIBE TECHNET <your full name> To unsubscribe: SIGNOFF TECHNET ############################################################## Please visit IPC web site (http://www.ipc.org/html/forum.htm) for additional information. If you need assistance - contact Gayatri Sardeshpande at [log in to unmask] or 847-509-9700 ext.5365 ##############################################################