Lazy Older Men

[RSoles]

I can't see the components on modern stuff any more.

And don't get me started on trying to read the bands on Metal oxide resistors......

[vetran]

Time to to get a good illuminated magnifier and modern soldering station. I worked as an electronics design engineer for the first decade of my career and have taken up electronics again in my semi-retirement but needed help to see the components. It's now so much easier to source components, get PCBs made, afford test equipment. It's great fun!

Decision making.
- 2020, retired, but not taking pension, owing to attending too many funerals of those younger than me
- 2022, started working part time, fully remote to mitigate the effects of inflation and top up pension

Thanks to the OP for the idea. I can now self-identify as a 'Lazy Older Man'.

I agree you need the right tools.

buy one of these



and if that doesn't work

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stereo_microscope

[DoctorStrangelove]

And don't get me started on trying to read the bands on Metal oxide resistors......

Indeed not, I have one of those headband magnifier thingies and a nice tungsten desk lamp in order to have half a chance of reading & making sense of those, especially the blue bodied six band examples.

Still have to use the meter to make sure I've read the damn things from the correct end.

I agree you need the right tools.

buy one of these



and if that doesn't work

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stereo_microscope

Got 'em both, though the stereo microscope was "liberated", being of little further use.

I do miss the dear dead days so far beyond recall when a quarter watt resistor was carbon comp, big, and had at most 4 bands on it and my eyes still worked properly.