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Finally bought a proper fiber optic inspection scope for the bench
It was about $600, but it's already saved me from chasing ghosts on two separate LRU returns. Anyone have a cheaper go-to for checking those tiny avionics connectors?
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lisa_grant2mo ago
Honestly, I just use a really bright LED pen light and a cheap jeweler's loupe. For most of the stuff I see, if it looks clean under 10x magnification, it's probably fine. That $600 tool sounds amazing for deep trouble, but my wallet hurts just thinking about it.
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the_skyler2mo ago
Wow, @lisa_grant, I was totally the same way for years. Then I found a tiny crack in a solder joint that my loupe completely missed. Borrowed a buddy's nicer scope and it was so clear. Now I get why people spend the money, even if I still can't afford it.
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hart.ryan22d ago
Wait, that scope found a crack your loupe missed? On a joint you had already checked? That's wild. I would have just spent hours reflowing the whole board thinking I was losing my mind.
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