A Better Microscope & PCB Macro Photography Ring Light

RE: A Better Microscope & PCB Macro Photography Ring Light

me_Cris — Thu, 08 Jan 2026 17:11:18 GMT

The PCBs are quite nice. [emoticon:c0a12e93d274496e82c557ae460d6b0f][emoticon:c0a12e93d274496e82c557ae460d6b0f]

RE: A Better Microscope & PCB Macro Photography Ring Light

Lacovara — Tue, 18 Nov 2025 18:21:54 GMT

Really quite nice. Thank you.

RE: A Better Microscope & PCB Macro Photography Ring Light

DAB — Mon, 17 Nov 2025 20:03:41 GMT

Excellent finish Gough.

Very informative and fun read.

RE: A Better Microscope & PCB Macro Photography Ring Light

dougw — Sat, 15 Nov 2025 19:47:11 GMT

Spectacular project. [emoticon:69249d9061a649aaac5a56e1336f7d30][emoticon:3f69514325e241e3b14f0aece4338c34][emoticon:f33944d131254ed4bf5012308dd08ad4][emoticon:3f69514325e241e3b14f0aece4338c34][emoticon:69249d9061a649aaac5a56e1336f7d30]

RE: A Better Microscope & PCB Macro Photography Ring Light

beacon_dave — Sat, 15 Nov 2025 19:08:38 GMT

Excellent results.

Have you tried getting the light ring closer to the subject ? Usually having the key light around 30 to 45 degrees to the subject gives good 3D results.

Another feature might be to have the ability to control multiple key lights. If you have components that are oriented 90 degrees to each other, then you may find a second key light useful for picking out both orientations without going to the 90deg of arc. Perhaps that is "scope creep" though [emoticon:c4563cd7d5574777a71c318021cbbcc8]

RE: A Better Microscope & PCB Macro Photography Ring Light

genebren — Sat, 15 Nov 2025 18:33:08 GMT

Absolutely brilliant! I really like the addition of the background light level used when only some of the LEDs are on in full intensity. I may have to revisit my custom microscope light and update it with some of the features that you added here.

When you mention having multiple light angles, you might be able to achieve this by having some of the LEDs mounted on spacers, raising them from others on the PCB. Another approach might be a have gimble like device that would allow the PCB to tilt slightly inside the light mount assembly.

Great work!

RE: A Better Microscope & PCB Macro Photography Ring Light

balajivan1995 — Sat, 15 Nov 2025 12:59:37 GMT

Cross section looks like landscape from "The Thing" movie. The gif image with LED light orbiting around looks cool as well.

Thank you very much for remembering the request!

And I hope the LED gods look the other way as well!