[Elecraft] Optivisor

[Lyle Johnson]

> There are a lot of choices for the a magnifier for kit assembly, I would
> like to know what other kit builders are using ...

Wow!  This is a broad question.

I have a friend, who is nearsighted, and takes off his glasses to solder
parts on a board.

I tried the big round lens lamps with a circular fluorescent bulb - they
gave me a headache as well as a distorted view when I had both eyes open.
But other people use them and like them...

I am farsighted, and use an Optivisor.  The Optivisor fits on my head, is
lightweight, follows my head, flips up when I need to see further away, etc.
Doesn't give me a headache.

I use a stereo microscope to inspect surface-mount parts on boards that I
build, but I never solder under the microscope since the soldering fumes
would eventually plate onto the lens(es).  But then, Elecraft is avoiding
surface mount parts... I find them EASIER to use/build than through hole :-)

It would be better if my bifocals (OK, variable focus eyeglasses) had the
close segment on the TOP rather than the bottom, but then they wouldn't be
much good for anything other than building PC boards with the Optivisor :-)

There are different lens magnifications available from Optivisor.  I don't
know what I am using - I bought the model in stock and it worked fine.  I've
been using them for several years now (long before I needed bifocals!).

Bottom line: use what works for you.

73,

Lyle KK7P