As part of my efforts to accurately model Lego bricks, I need to visualise the finer features of Lego pieces and measure various dimensions accurately.

My first serious microscopic soldering project took place over the weekend!

An Intel NUC had been prised open during a baggage inspection. Thanks TSA!

As a result the fan connector had been torn from the PCB.

I’m not saying it was a nicely executed repair, but the NUC does now work… Identified areas for improvement:

• an improved solder flux situation: my 0.2mm solder didn’t want to flow onto anything, the thicker solder dumped a pool of flux eveywhere.
• an improved glueing mechanism: again, I ended up with a pool of super glue…
• improved software settings for the microscope’s USB camera: the photos don’t do justice to the stunning clarity I had through the eye pieces.
• a PCB cleaning mechanism.