I wasn't sure if I could mount it to the mill table without it flying off because it was so small, so I mounted it to a ~1cm copper disk with some crystalbond wax.

This will make it much easier to find if I drop it, and give more area for me to attach to the chuck with double-sided tape.

Pretty happy with the results for a surgical decap.

It looks like the quartz crystal sits on top and the oscillator driver is under it. Unfortunately we can't see the oscillator die without destroying the crystal.

Nothing looks obviously damaged, I'll do some higher mag images next.

@azonenberg

That's a good microscope!

@dianea

It better be given how much it cost, lol.

The difference between no name AliExpress optics and good German or Japanese glass is staggering but you get what you pay for.

@azonenberg

Wishing I could afford a Leica! But worth it!

@dianea Oh absolutely. We have amscopes at work, they're enough most of the time.

But for professional use in my own lab when I don't need to jump through management to get budgetary approval and can just pull out my credit card? I will absolutely pay what it takes to get good glass.

@azonenberg

I do love the AmAcopes at my work. They are enjoyable to use for an entire shift. Microwave transistors that I can't really see with my eyes are easy to work with those optics 🔍

One day I might get one for the house

@dianea I will say from experience the difference between no microscope and an amscope is much larger than the difference between an amscope and a Leica.

It's like going from no car to a beat up Honda Civic to a Ferrari. Sure, if you can afford the Ferrari it'll be more fun to drive. But the Honda will absolutely get you to work and the grocery store and back for a fraction of the price.